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The duffel on her shoulder fell on the floor with a soft thud as she held her cheek with her face inclined to the side because of the forceful impact of the slap.

Her smile was lost but still, she tried to force a smile on her split lips. She tasted blood in her mouth. Slowly she straightened to look at Josh who stood in the doorway fuming in rage.

"What the f*ck are you doing here?" He snarled but all her innocent eyes could see were the tears streaming down his cheeks. He looked weak. Drained. There were vivid dark circles under his eyes. He seemed to have shrunk immensely. Her poor heart stumbled in grief at his sight. What have they done to her brother?

The twitch in his jaw had her batting her eyes in confusion. Her cheek throbbed but she turned away from the pain and focused her eyes on her brother.

"Josh," her voice; a soft whisper as she advanced with an intent to embrace him in a tight hug, cry her miseries and sorrows away on his chest, to feel his warmth and feel safe but t