Helplessness and self-blame

When Harry and Peter heard Neil's voice, they immediately asked with palpable urgency, “Neil, where are you? Are you okay? Did she hurt you?” Their voices were filled with anxiety and concern, as if just hearing Neil’s response would empower them to rush over and rescue him from Yolanda's clutches. However, Neil’s reply only deepened their heartache. His voice trembled with a hint of tears, and although he tried to sound brave, the strain and helplessness in his tone were unmistakable: “I… I’m okay… I’m fine.” But that faint, quivering voice, laden with unspoken pain, made each of us clench our fists in silent rage, a helpless fury burning within our hearts.

Even Maria, who had been watching intently through the video call, couldn’t hold back any longer. Her voice, laced with both fury and a chilling threat, cut through the tension in the room: “Yolanda, you’d better not harm Neil in any way.” There was a deep loathing in her tone, a clear warning underscored by the knowledge of just