After a while, Yitian's sobbing deceased, and Chao tried to ask what happened again, but it just started a new wave of sobbing.
But this time it was sobbing with laughter, and that was really scary for Chao. He shivered with fear. But he feared for Yitian.
"I was the one attacked, but she pulled me to the side, getting cut herself…" Yitian finally started and Chao was carefully listening, not interrupting him.
"She was bleeding, but I was afraid to go near her and help her… I was afraid she would hurt me!" Yitian yelled and sniffled. Chao's shirt was already wet, so some sniffles didn't make a difference at all, and Chao didn't care at all.
He pulled Yitian away from him, just to look at him and his red, swollen face.
"You have every right to be afraid. You have been a victim of abuse for many years. You should know that being afraid is normal. Do you understand?" Chao said, and when Yitian sniffled again and then nodded, he pulled him into a hug.
