Chapter 4: The Tough Decision
(Arata)
I returned home to my impatiently waiting family. Even my younger brother and grandma had joined them as the news of what happened leaked.
"Sis!" Zaylen, my younger brother, rushed towards me and had me in his strong, reassuring arms. His expression, pained.
I tried not to break down in his embracing solace but tears leaked and soaked in his dress shirt. I softly sobbed, closing my eyes. Andy's words still echoed in my brain, stealing whatever mental peace I had left.
Zaylen assuredly whispered. "He is going to regret hurting you. We are going to bring him to the streets."
I knew my brother had inherited my father's traits, which were not to forgive people who dared hurt our family. The determination in his voice revealed his intentions.
We separated and I cast my heavy glance towards the rest of my family.
Baba held Mom and Grandmother Meena, their faces solemn and eyes grim. My grandmother ushered me forth with a wave of her wrinkled hand. Worries lined her usually pristine face as she sat on the sofa holding her cane.
I slumped on the sofa near her and she had me in her fragile arms. I laid my head on her shoulder while Mom placed her hand on mine.
"Talk to us, Ara," she requested in a gentle tone.
Collecting myself, I disclosed everything I had learnt and seen. My revelations made my brother angrily grumble and my mother sob. I couldn't see Baba as he was behind me.