Ethan's life

"Charlotte, are you okay?"

"Derik? Derik!" Charlotte said as she grabbed Derik and hugged him tightly.

Derik wrapped his arms tightly around Charlotte, so tight she felt a little discomfort, but she didn't pay much attention to it as her heart was beating fast.

"Derik, I'm so scared!"

"Why? What happened? Talk to me!"

"I miss my mom! Sometimes, she yells my name, telling me she needs to tell me something. I feel so scared that I might never hear whatever she intends on telling me! I'm so scared that the Lockwoods who caused her death will go scot-free. I'm so scared I might end up like..." At this point, Charlotte was already tearing up as she tried to finish her sentence.

"Shhh," Derik cut her off, "It's okay, Charlotte! Don't feel scared, I am here for you. I will always be by your side. Always remember that, okay?" His tone was steady and reassuring while his gaze was fixed on her. His words somehow comforted Charlotte as she felt more at ease now.

Derik hugged Charlotte tighter, an