Ms. Simmons had already given Kya a bath and got her into her pajamas Charlie scooped her up into her bedroom, flipping on the bedside lamp with practiced ease. He picked up a picture book from the side table and started reading a bedtime story to lull Kya to sleep.

Kya was a good girl, but she was a bit antsy, clutching onto Charlie’s sleeve and saying. “Uncle Charlie, don’t be mad at mommy.”

Charlie’s hand ran gently through her soft hair. “All right, I won’t be mad Go to sleep, Kya”

About half an hour later, Kya finally dozed off

Charlie tucked her in, dimmed the lamp, and then stood up to leave, quietly closing the door behind him.

He made his way to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of cold water, and threw back a large gulp. Then, his voice icy, he said, “Didn’t I tell you to steer clear of that Martin? You get yourself into trouble and get Kya scolded too. I shouldn’t even care about you, let’s see if Martin can protect your

His voice was tinged with anger. When he looked back, he saw Emily huddled up on the couch, motionless. The floor lamp was on, casting her frail figure in a harsh light and causing a tremor in his heart.

Charlie put down the water bottle and walked over to sit next to her, looking at her coldly and asking. “Do you think you deserve this?”

hair falling in

and slowly

deepening. “Why

lip

his voice softening “Don’t cry, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone

annoying, but seeing Emily cry made his

him

his voice a low

suppressed her sobs, her voice hoarse. “No matter what I do, you scold me. You scold me for seeing Martin,

scold you,

and her attempts to

wish I could shut them all up!” Charlie patted her shoulder, trying to

scolding hurts more than theirs!” Emily

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