I squeezed Qula's breast, and her cry grew louder.
She repeated, "They want me dead… they hate me… please kill me."
Querlo's eyes widened, and tears began to form.
"Stop, please… Qula is hurting," Jake said urgently.
"Qula! Wake up… please stop hurting Qula," Harken pleaded, his voice cracking.
"Whoa! Wait," Querlo interjected.
"We will be good brothers to her, please LET OUR SISTER GO!" Querlo begged, his desperation palpable.
"We won't push her away anymore... we accept her. Please, stop… don't do this to her," Qunin added, his voice trembling.
"My cousin… don't hurt her," said Qcek, visibly distressed.
"Qula! Let her go… we will change, we're not angry at Qula anymore… please, I'm begging you," Qunin implored.
"Qula!" Jake shouted, his voice filled with anguish.
"QULA!" they all cried out in unison.
I smiled at their plea.
...
Finally, I removed my hand and stood up, slowly lifting Qula.
