Edward then revealed why the experience had affected him so deeply. The woman had told him that Max spoke about her body in the same hurtful way, and their conversation helped him change how he viewed himself. He told Max, “She didn’t fix me,” he said. “There was nothing wrong with me that needed fixing.” His words made it clear that her value had never depended on changing another person or meeting someone else’s expectations.
Later, Edward admitted that he had agreed to the fake relationship because he wanted her to understand that she did not need to prove anything to Max. When her daughter overheard the cruel comments, she asked why her mother had pretended Edward was her boyfriend. The mother finally admitted that she wanted Max to believe somebody wanted her. Her daughter hugged her and replied, “But we wanted you here.” Those simple words meant more to her than anything Max could have said.
