Silence fell across the steps, heavy with sadness too large for small shoulders to carry.
Damian remained perfectly still for three heartbeats, his expression showing nothing except calm.
Then his hand moved, settling on top of her head with gentle weight.
His fingers threaded through her hair, the motion careful and measured.
But before he could speak, before he could offer comfort...
The girl's whisper cut through again, smaller this time, carrying fear that refused to stay buried.
"Big brother..."
Her hands lowered from her face, finding her lap where they twisted together.
"Was that old man telling the truth?"
Her voice dropped even lower, becoming almost inaudible.
"Will the big bad monsters really come and... and eat us?"
Her breathing hitched, tears falling faster.
"The aunties in our house were crying too and they were saying that Papa and the other soldiers will... will die first because we're here in the north and then... and then we'll die too and..."
