Transformers Prime: Fractured Futures (#3)

Chapter 12

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the small house, followed by the heavy thud of something—or someone—hitting the floor. Erin's heart raced as she sat huddled in the corner of her bedroom, clutching a stuffed bear tightly to her chest. The walls seemed too thin, unable to muffle the sounds of their father’s angry voice or their mother’s pained cries.

Six-year-old Erin could feel her tears falling fast, her breath coming out in shaky gasps as she hugged the bear even tighter. She didn't know what was happening. She only heard screams and the noise of abuse. She was terrified.

Her older brother, Evan, sat beside her on the bed, tense and wide-eyed, listening for any signs that it might be safe to move. He was only nine, but he understood far too much for his age.

"Shh," Evan whispered urgently, wiping away Erin’s tears with the sleeve of his worn-out shirt. "Don’t cry, Erin. It’ll be okay. It’s gonna stop soon."

But Erin shook her head, her tiny head barely above his hug.

Evan's  jaw clenched as he fought to keep his own emotions in check. He hated feeling so powerless, so small. But he couldn’t let Erin see how scared he really was. She needed him to be strong.

From downstairs, their father’s voice boomed again, followed by another crash. The noise made Erin flinch, her body trembling as fresh sobs overtook her. Evan’s heart ached at the sight of his little sister so frightened.

"Hey, hey, look at me, Erin," Evan said softly, turning her face towards him. He forced a small, shaky smile. "You remember that game we played yesterday? The one with the pirates?"

Erin sniffled, blinking through her tears as she stared up at him with wide, watery eyes. She tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Yeah, the one where we were pirates looking for treasure," Evan said, his voice gentle but insistent. "Remember how we were the captains of our own ship? And we had to fight off the bad guys with swords? You were really brave, Erin. You even beat the biggest pirate by yourself."

Erin sniffled again, but her crying slowed a little. She tilted her little head to the other side.

"Yeah, you did," Evan said, nodding. "And then we found that huge treasure chest with all the gold coins inside. We were rich, remember?"

Erin wiped her nose with the back of her hand, her small body still trembling but a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She remembered the game now, the one where Evan had built a makeshift ship out of pillows and blankets in their room, pretending they were sailing the high seas.

Evan smiled wider, trying to keep her distracted. "And when we opened the chest, guess what was inside?"

Erin tilted her head back to the other side, her eyes still red from crying.

"More stuffed animals!" Evan said, his voice lifting with mock excitement. "Hundreds of them, just like Mr. Bear here." He reached out and gently patted the stuffed bear she was holding, making it look like the bear was nodding in agreement. "It was a whole army of bears to protect you. No bad guys could ever hurt us with them around."

Erin giggled softly, the small action light and fragile, but it was enough to make Evan feel like he’d done something right. Even in the midst of the chaos, he’d given her a moment of peace.

Another loud crash from downstairs made Erin’s body jerk, but this time, Evan pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her small shoulders. "It’s okay," he whispered. "We’re safe up here. No one’s gonna hurt us."