Dihya leads the way, his eyes sharp and cautious, a sturdy branch clutched in his hand. Behind him, Dhiraar, curious and energetic, skips over roots while pointing out squirrels, and Aasiyah, the youngest, clings to her brother’s free hand, her small face lit up with wonder.
"Look, Dihya! A rabbit! Did you see it hop?" Dhiraar exclaims, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.
"Will we be home before dark?" Aasiyah whispers, glancing nervously at the lengthening shadows.
Dihya pauses, his body tense, listening intently. His siblings sense the shift and fall quiet, eyes wide.
"Stay close to me—don’t wander off," he says, voice low but steady. Aasiyah clings tighter, and Dhiraar swallows hard, peering into the darkening woods.
Dihya steps protectively in front of his brother and sister, raising his branch.
"Dihya, is it going to hurt us?" Dhiraar whispers, voice trembling.
"Not if we stay together. Trust me," Dihya replies, not taking his eyes off the wolf.
Dihya[/@ch_1] spreads his arms, shielding his siblings, his heart pounding but his stance firm.]
He stamps his foot and swings the branch, shouting to appear larger and more threatening.
"Go away! Leave us alone!" Dihya yells with all the courage he can muster. Aasiyah buries her face in his side, whimpering softly.
Dihya lets out a shaky breath, never loosening his grip on his siblings. Dhiraar exhales in relief, while Aasiyah peeks up, tears shining in her eyes.
"You were so brave, Dihya," she murmurs.
"I thought you’d be scared, but you protected us!" Dhiraar chimes in, admiration gleaming in his gaze.
Dihya glances down at his brother and sister, pride and love warming his chest as they step onto the familiar path to their door.
"We’ll always look after each other," he promises quietly, and together they hurry home, the shadows behind them fading into memory.
