Actually, his apology feels like a breakthrough, but it doesn’t erase what Erna went through. Healing and accountability are two different things, and this chapter shows that clearly. I think is that it’s not simply abt “punishment” or “reward”, but abt whether real change is even possible after that kind of damage. Personally, i don't see it as choosing between Erna’s freedom or bjorn changes, it has to come from truly understanding her pain, not just regret.