She was clearly terrified of me based on how much she was trembling, but she still got in front of the boy to protect him at all costs. Trying not to spook her, I very gently reached out and placed my hand on her head with a smile.
“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.”
I used the same tone I had used with my students when I found them. It definitely helped a little bit. At the very least, she didn’t see me as an enemy.
“You did good protecting your brother. Don’t worry, you’re safe now. Leave the rest to me.”
I gently patted her head the same way Erina would pat mine. A single tear ran down her cheek, and the girl collapsed.
Children like them weren’t a rare sight, sadly. No one would blame you if you just looked the other way in a situation like that. Heck, most people probably wou
