The youngest asked slowly, "because I am so angry at both of you!"
"That's ridiculous! What would make you think that I'm angry? What about Ryan?"
"Because you're always mad at both of us, that's why! You always get pissed whenever anybody tries to help or defend us, so we understand if you're mad at us. Just tell us what happened. Please."
My frown deepened as I glanced at Ryan. He averted his gaze from mine and stared blankly at the wall in front of him, looking utterly defeated and hopeless.
"... I-I was just scared. I... I was worried about you... I wanted to make sure you were okay and-"
I trailed off, unable to say anything else. I didn't want to admit the truth that I feared would result in pain or grief. The last thing I wanted was for them to see me cry again like I had cried
