Valdis goes silent, unsure how to feel. Part of her jumps instantly to rage, anger that Erik would do such a thing, potentially even in front of Max. He could be saying this just to try to soothe her and get away with the same things he had done before. It's not a game for him as it is for her and Max. Yet she doesn't sense a lie in him, if anything she senses a burst of shame edged with worry and fear, though she's not sure if the fear is of her or something else.

It would not be unnatural for him to have a healthy respect for her, however, she suspects the fear has more to do with his concern about falling back into old habits.

"I'm not sure how to respond to that, or how to handle the pain it may cause to Max if he misunderstands what is happening between you and Pyotr."