diff --git a/d2lib/d2.go b/d2lib/d2.go
index 13dccad3f..11a1dd521 100644
--- a/d2lib/d2.go
+++ b/d2lib/d2.go
@@ -72,10 +72,6 @@ func compile(ctx context.Context, g *d2graph.Graph, opts *CompileOptions) (*d2ta
 
 		// run core layout for constantNears
 		for _, tempGraph := range constantNearGraphs {
-			if tempGraph == nil {
-				continue
-			}
-
 			nearObject := tempGraph.Root.ChildrenArray[0]
 			nearObject.Parent = tempGraph.Root
 			if err = coreLayout(ctx, tempGraph); err != nil {