[Ben considers this, is silent and still while she works it out for herself, while she navigates the dangerous path of her memories and her mind. He knows better than most how she is not necessarily more or less likely to be able to know herself than he is; sometimes it's harder to see from the inside. Sometimes it's so easy to get lost.

Carefully, firmly, but not harshly:] I am your warden and it is my responsibility to protect you. You are my inmate, but you do not owe me any manner of behavior. The obligation goes one way: from me to you. You must merely be true to yourself.

[This is important, though he has never said it so plainly. She doesn't have a job. Every ounce of energy expended, every safeguard in place here, every plan and every situation, is for Abigail, not for him. This is not true for every warden but for Ben, it is the only way he knows to be what she deserves.

However:] That does not mean I would not like you to want to listen to me. To feel safe enough to do so. But it is not a requirement, and I won't try to make it one.