Feeling intimidated, Finch quickly hid behind Lena while casting a wary glance at Julian. "Lena, that guy's look is freaking me out. I'm scared."
Lena crouched down to reassure him, brushing off Julian's attempt at an explanation, and led Finch to sit on another sofa.
"Why didn't you stand up to that mean guy when he scared me?" Finch inquired, tilting his head in confusion as he sat beside Lena.
Rubbing Finch's soft hair, Lena responded with a serene tone, "Why bother retaliating if a rabid dog snaps at you? Would you bite back?"
With childlike simplicity, Finch pondered. "Why bite back at all? Why not just put it down?"
A chill flickered in Lena's gaze as she glanced at Julian and Isabella, silently tallying both recent and past grievances. She was keeping score, ready to settle all
