Mom lowered her head and looked at me, then pointed at Evangeline.
“Aria, was she the one who tried to take your dress just now?”
I nodded, still a little confused about what she was about to do.
The next second, her tone turned utterly serious.
“Remember this—if someone takes what’s yours, you take it back.”
“If someone bullies you, you hit back.”
“Don’t be afraid.”
She gently pressed a hand on my shoulder, her gaze steady.
“Your father, your brother, and I will always stand behind you.”
I froze.
At that moment, something surged up from deep within me.
So this is what it feels like—to be trusted without condition, to have someone stand by you without hesitation.
I nodded firmly. “Mommy, I understand.”
Then I turned and looked at Evangeline.
She was still crying, her face fu
