“The realization settled quietly, without resistance.”

Holding her there, Ray realized he didn’t need to define it. Didn’t need to understand what bound himself to her so tightly. He didn’t need to trace its origin or test its logic. The realization settled quietly, without resistance. For once, he didn’t feel the need to interrogate it, didn’t feel compelled to pull it apart and examine it for weaknesses. He resolved himself to the fact that he’d never know, and no longer needed to question or argue with himself about it.