The release helps. The careful tugging at the ribbon begins the delicate crumbling of her shoulders. The immediate proximity of Elisha begins the heavy dipping of her head.

The passivity of having someone else in control, even briefly, even for something so small as loosening her hair, lets the hurt lodged in her heart begin to relax very slightly.

She means to thank him, but all her lips can manage is a very small, "--I did all right?"