"Big brother… thank you for saving me," the little girl said, bowing her head slightly, her voice soft yet filled with genuine gratitude.
Jack stared at her blankly. Her words felt foreign, almost absurd to him. He didn't know how to respond.
'I didn't save her for her sake,' he thought, tearing his gaze away from her. His eyes settled back on the half-eaten loaf of bread in his hands. 'I just needed to deal with that man. He wouldn't have let me eat in peace.'
To his surprise, there was almost nothing left of the loaf. Somehow, in his desperation, he had devoured nearly the entire thing without even realizing it. A faint pang of guilt nudged him—not for the man, but for the girl who might still be hungry.
"Big brother, do you want more?" Her voice was gentle as she leaned closer, her bright eyes studying him.
