[ The inevitable question. In another context, it might be an uncomfortable one. But as long as Julius doesn't press him for some form of apology, for having developed such feelings towards her when he did, Marcus doesn't feel compelled to offer one. ]

I had been curious, first, [ he says, after a time of thinking back. ] Attracted in an ordinary sort of way, but because she is a compelling person. And presence. None of that might have mattered, if not for the things we turned to talking about.

And in those conversations, I saw her courage, and her conviction. Those things that hadn't diminished her hope, but bolstered it. She is, [ he adds, ] easy to talk to. About things that are hard to talk about.