Pain radiated from a freshly reddened mark on the child’s cheek.
The child rubbed it instinctively and felt the warmth of tears welling up in their eyes.
  “Why would you touch my things? I told you to be quiet!” Loud taunting filled the 4 year old’s ears and they recoiled as their mother’s hand raised again.
  “STOP CRYING!” She demanded. “It’ll be worse if you don’t stop crying!”
  But the tears wouldn’t stop. No matter how much they tried to stop them. The fear and ache was too much for their small body to handle.
  Out of the corner of their eye the child saw a figure, Nell... sister.
  “LEAVE HER ALONE!” Nell screamed at their mother. “She didn’t mean to. It was my fault. I did it. I should’ve watched better.” The 4 year old watched their 6 year old sister step in front of them with her arms outstretched defensively.
  Their mother’s expression was wild and crazed. The child reached for their sister and grabbed her shirt to hide.
   ”Whatever. You both are brats.” Their mother spat out before she left the room.
  The child let go of their sister and they hugged for a long moment.
  “Shhh shhh. Cara it’s ok. It’s ok. Big sister is here. I’ve got you.” She cooed at the child.
  A finger wiped away the warm tears from the child’s tiny face and gingerly brushed the red mark.
  “Let’s get some ice on that for you.” Nell said with a soft smile.
  She was only 6 but wise beyond her years.