Betrayal On The Deck
Pedro, usually a symbol of authority and menace, surprised everyone by lowering himself to Mariah's level. The frightened child drew back, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and uncertainty. Pedro's voice, though gruff, carried a soothing tone as he reassured her, "Shh, I will not hurt you." His large hand gently patted her hair, now a shadow of its once-lustrous self as strands fell out in tufts.
Under Pedro's unexpected touch, Mariah found a momentary respite from the harshness of her reality. The man, whose whip had instilled fear, now revealed a side rarely seen—a glimpse of compassion beneath the veneer of cruelty.
"Do you want everything to end, child?" Pedro inquired, his words carrying a weight of understanding. Mariah, timidly but with a nod, expressed her agreement.
