Valdis tipped her head, trying to be understanding of Klaus' deflection, it hadn't been done on purpose, and he had apologized, so she simply nodded and listened. Everything he said was true. Leo was a wonderful young man, understanding and kind, innocent. All qualities that hadn't died despite what she knew of his life.

"It is not selfish to want your friend to be with you," Valdis pointed out, "Or at least, it doesn't seem like something to feel guilty about. People need companionship, and some companionship has more value than others. It's normal."

Emotionally stunted she might be in many ways, but Valdis knew the value of feeling care for others.