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042: Deception

Author: FlyingDove
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-14 21:52:41

HANNAH’S POV

My hands tightened on the little girl’s shoulders as her trembling form pressed against me. She was an orphan, clinging to the last thread of family she had left—her brother, who was fighting for his life in a distant room.

Her wide, tear-filled eyes met mine, pleading. "Please... save my brother. Don’t let him die." Her voice cracked, and the raw desperation in it tore at my chest.

I pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "Shh... It’s going to be okay. We’ll do everything we can." My voice was soft, but inside, fear gnawed at me. Would that promise be enough?

She sniffed against my chest, her grip tightening around me. "You promise?"

I hesitated for just a second, then nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. "Yes," I said, my voice barely steady.

The girl didn’t say anything after that. She just pressed herself closer, as if my arms could protect her from all the horrors outside this moment. But I felt helpless. I could comfort her, but I couldn’t cure her brother.
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