[When she opens her eyes, Ben's are there to greet her, not as calm as he has been in days past but still unwavering, as though he is steady as long as he keeps her in sight.

That is exactly the case. He is capable because she needs him to be. He is strong enough because it is necessary.]

She did, eventually. She could not hold time back from herself any more.

But when that day came, they were both happy: the girl and the creature.

They were both freed by her decision.