SECURED

PROTECTING THEM.

• CIYA •

As I woke up from a deep sleep, memories of everything that happened earlier at the mall came rushing back. I wasn't feeling afraid-more like guilty for how things escalated. The fight replayed in my mind, and I couldn't help but think that maybe I had overreacted. It was time for dinner, but I wasn't quite ready to face my brothers just yet.

I freshened up, trying to shake off the lingering guilt. As I was about to head downstairs, my phone rang, stopping me in my tracks. I glanced at the screen and saw the caller ID-it was Dad. A smile instantly spread across my face.

I answered quickly, "Hello, Dad. Everything okay there?"

He chuckled warmly, "Yes, angel, everything's alright here."

Hearing his voice melted away some of the tension I had been carrying. Dad always had that effect on me. No matter how bad things seemed, he knew how to make everything feel okay.

"Tell me, how's my angel doing over there?" he asked, his tone gentle but knowing.

I hesitated, not wanting him to catch on that I wasn't as okay as I said I was. "I'm doing good... but I miss you," I admitted, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Really?" he asked, sounding amused. "Are you sure you're not hiding something that might make me worry?"

I sighed, giving up on trying to hide it. "Dad, how did you know?" I whined softly, feeling like a child again.

He just laughed. "I always know, angel. Now, tell me what happened."

Without holding back, I told him everything-the fight at the mall, the things those men said about my brothers, and how I just couldn't stand there and take it. I explained how I felt guilty for losing control, for letting my emotions take over like that.

"Angel," he said gently, "I understand why you're feeling guilty, but it's important to remember a few things."

I listened intently, feeling the weight of his words lift off my shoulders.

"First, defending your family is a natural response. When you saw those men talking badly about your brothers, it wasn't just about you- it was about protecting the people you love. Your reaction was powerful, and it showed how deeply you care. That's something to be proud of, not ashamed of."

I nodded, feeling a bit better. But Dad continued, his tone becoming more serious.

"Second, I want you to think about what might have happened if you hadn't stood up for them. Sometimes, letting things slide can make you feel worse later. By stepping in, you took control of the situation in the way you knew how. It was brave, and it was a way of taking a stand. Even if it got out of hand, you were doing what you thought was right at the moment."

I thought about his words and how they made sense. It was clear now that my actions weren't just impulsive-they were driven by a strong sense of loyalty and love for my brothers.

"And finally," Dad said, his voice softening, "it's okay to rely on others for support. You don't have to handle everything alone. Your brothers are there for you, just as you're there for them. They can take care of themselves, and they want to help you too. You don't have to bear the burden of protecting them all by yourself."

I took a deep breath, feeling the last bit of tension in my chest ease. "Thanks, Dad. I guess I've been so focused on making sure everyone is okay that I forgot to let them help me."

Dad chuckled softly. "That's the nature of family. We're here for each other, through the tough times and the good times. You did nothing wrong. Just remember to let yourself be cared for too."