Only relying on instinct to like this person.
She smiled radiantly, her cheeks puffed up like a little squirrel who'd just stolen some candy.
Curtis was stunned for a moment, then he smiled as well.
Years later, that sentence was still etched clearly in his memory.
It was only much later that he realized—it was her first time seeing someone who looked like "family."
Before that, she was always all alone.
Bounced around between relatives' houses, enduring cold stares and bullying.
Vivian felt a familiar ache stir in her chest as she heard this.
Her eyes grew hot; she blinked hard, forcing back the tears.
Yes, that little girl who was always bullied has finally grown up.
No longer needs to hide in the corner, weeping quietly.
No longer has to humble herself just for a mouthful of food.
She has her own job now, her own place to live.
She's even found the courage to say "no."
The big brother who always protected her finally found someone he wants to protect.
