It came to Stella at that moment that the command of the situation had devolved upon her, and with it a heavier responsibility than she had ever before been called upon to bear.
She put her own weakness from her with a resolution born of expediency, for the need for strength was great.

She crossed the room to the bed, felt for and found the key, returned to the door and inserted it in the lock.

Then she paused.
He had not moved.

He was not watching her.

He sat as one sunk deep in dejection, bowed beneath a burden that crushed him to the earth.