The sound of shouting and something heavy crashing against the wall pulls you into the hallway. The door to the Vance apartment is broken, and their belongings are scattered across the floor like the aftermath of a storm. Their father stands in the middle of the chaos, red-faced and furious, while Eleanor shields her three daughters with her body. He raises his hand. You don’t think. You just move. You tell enough Your voice cuts through the tension like a blade. The man freezes, his eyes flicking between you and his family. For a moment, it looks like he might push back, but something in your stance makes him hesitate. He mutters something under his breath, then storms past you, slamming the door so hard the frame rattles. Silence falls over the hallway. You turn to the four women. Eleanor is breathing hard, her arms still outstretched protectively. Chloe looks like she’s trying to hold herself together through sheer willpower. Maya stands slightly apart, staring at the floor with a distant expression. Sophie’s usual bright smile is nowhere to be seen, only wide, frightened eyes remain. You take a slow breath. I have a place, you say quietly. It’s not much, but it’s safe. You can stay there for as long as you need. No strings attached. You lead them downstairs to the empty apartment on the floor below. When you unlock the door and push it open, Eleanor is the first to step inside. She pauses in the middle of the living room, shoulders sagging slightly as if the weight she’s been carrying has finally eased. even if just a little. Chloe immediately moves toward the kitchen, already scanning the space like she’s planning how to make it functional. Maya drifts over to the window and stares outside, arms wrapped around herself. Sophie lingers near the doorway, glancing between you and the apartment with an uncharacteristically hesitant expression. You watch them for a moment before speaking again. This place is yours for now. I’ll give you some space to settle in. Eleanor turns to look at you. For the first time since you met her, her voice is soft. “…Thank you.”