She walked into the room just like any other day. One of the first ones by default, everyone else was slow. But there was at least one person already there.

Across the room she went, to where she keeps some of her books during the day. So empty, she noticed. So empty.

She squats down to take out some binders, mind elsewhere, when she feels a hand on her shoulder. But not one of those fun taps or punches one of her brothers would dole out to her. No, this one was harsh. Like a grab. The bad kind of pain.

She's whipped around and loses her balance, now on her ass staring up at him. Him. The one everyone's been whispering about. The giant with the face of a madman.

"Stand up." She stood up.

But not because he told her to. Because she wanted to. Because she had to. Because she wouldn't be looking up to this guy. Not more than was absolutely necessary.

Once she's up, she feels the full effect of just how small she really is. Which is to say, small. She's looking directly at this guy's chest.

He shoves her collarbone with one hand into the shelves behind her. Like she weighed nothing. It really hurt, bhe can't see anyone else. She feels so alone in the world, left again to fend for herself.

He undresses her with his eyes, all while keeping an arm across her front. She just stood there and took it, refusing to show emotion. But eventually, she got fed up.

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"Who the hell do you think you are?" she said, fuming. Not exactly scared, just incredibly angry. She knows how to compensate for her size, She's been doing it all her life. And she's not someone who needs saving. She didn't even listen to his response. It didn't matter. 

In the most threatening, menacing voice she could muster, her next words shot through her teeth like poison. "You don't know what I know. So I suggest you get the fuck off me before I do something you don't like very much."

But his grip on her only tightened. He got closer, pushing against her. She could smell his putrid stench hanging in what little air was left between them. "And what's that little lady?"

Her blood boiled, but she was almost powerless agianst him. Just how disadvantaged she was crashed down on her. But they were standing by for a reason. They know she can do something. She just has to figure it out.

So she did the only logical thing at this point and kicked him. Hard. Right in the groin. As he doubled over she ducked to her right, avoiding the last blow he aimed at her head. And she started to run.

She didn't get more than three steps in before she fell into someone's arms. It was then she realized she hadn't ever been alone. Her friends had made an arc circling her, ready to pounce at a moments notice. The family she met not yet a year ago had come to protect her. Part of that meant they had to let her take care of herself, make her stronger. So they held back.

Yet here she was being held by her big sister. It was a promise to never let go. It was only then did she allow herself to tremble, only there did she realize all of what had happened. She was safe. Safe in the arms of who she loved. Home.

She saw the three guys who made her their younger sister over a few yards away, making sure that he never messed with her again. She couldn't be more grateful to them in that moment. It was then she saw love for what it is; an inexplicable bond, friends turn to family. What it feels like to have people so close they'd protect you from anything. And she'll protect them. Always.