After comforting Karina, her mood began to shift. Her once lifeless expression had been replaced by a cheerful glow, her blue eyes now sparkling with life. It was a beautiful sight. But just as we approached the door of the church to head outside, she suddenly hesitated. Her steps slowed, and her small fingers tightened around mine.
I glanced down at her. "Karina?" I asked gently. "Why are you hesitating?"
She lowered her gaze, her voice trembling. "I… I'm scared. What if… they discriminate against me again?"
Her words pierced me.
This wasn't just shyness. It was fear born from deep-rooted trauma. Nearly her entire life, she had been shunned, rejected, treated like a curse. Without me here, I doubted she would've had the courage to take even a single step outside. She might've just stayed curled up in that endless void of sorrow, never seeing the light again.
I sighed softly and reached down to pat her head. "It's alright," I said reassuringly. "I'm here. I'll protect you."
