Ethan's POV

He ran to me immediately, then hugged me. He embraced me like he didn't hear what I just said. He embraced me... and tried to protect me against our mother after every word I said.

"Don't beg, Ethan! You don't need to do that!" His voice screams pain, and I know that when I speak, I will be mirroring his pain.

I remained silent; I didn't answer him. I just cried there and continued sobbing, even with my brother already comforting me. He's whispering words after words to me, but I can't focus on him anymore. I just wanted to get out of this. I just don't want...