Although Regina had just been trying to comfort herself with self-deprecating humor, the moment that man stood at the doorway, her entire body froze. She forgot how to breathe, her eyes wide, her teeth biting into her lip.
Tara, by contrast, remained calm. She had faced too many unforgettable dangers in her youth, and in S.G., cruelty was part of daily life. To her, this kind of situation no longer even qualified as "danger."
"Rae, don't be scared. Auntie's here, alright?" Tara sensed Regina's fear and spoke softly, soothing her like a lullaby against the eerie silence.
Regina turned her head slightly, catching sight of the gentle curve of Tara's smile. For a moment, her fear lessened. Over these past days, no matter what had happened, someone was always telling her: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
