Kilin's heart raced as she stepped inside the house, her brother Raylan cradled protectively in her arms. The sound of raised voices echoed from the front yard. Determined to shield Raylan from the turmoil, she closed the door firmly behind her, shutting out the chaotic scene.
With a gentle touch, Kilin placed Raylan on the kitchen counter, his tear-streaked face mirroring the distress that clouded his young eyes. She reached out and tenderly wiped away his tears, her voice filled with concern.
"You're safe now, Raylan... Did did he hurt you?" she asked, her voice filled with both worry and fierce protectiveness.
Raylan's voice quivered, his tiny body still trembling from fear as he managed to reply, "No, he... he picked me up from school. Mom got mad at him."
