Ophelia's choked sobs filled the air as she clung to Sheila, her round body shaking from more than just tears. Isabella frowned, watching the girl struggle to catch her breath between hiccups.
It wasn't just frustration. It was deeper than that.
Something inside Isabella twisted—this wasn't just about not being allowed to fight.
Sheila ran a soothing hand over Ophelia's trembling back, but her face was already dark with fury, her jaw clenched. "It's your mother again, isn't it?" she asked, voice tight.
Ophelia nodded, sobbing harder.
Isabella sighed, crossing her arms. "I had a feeling. Parents are either the best thing in the world or the worst." She tilted her head. "Let me guess—she told you you're useless again?"
Ophelia flinched like she'd been struck.
Bingo.
Sheila's grip on the little girl tightened protectively. "Ophelia, tell us what happened. All of it."
Ophelia sniffled, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand before finally speaking.
