Ezili brushed her black hair behind her ear, trying to ignore the sneers from a nearby group of kids. Her two cats, Nyx and Luna, waited patiently in her backpack, their little faces peeking out. She kept her nose in her book about ancient magic, wishing she could disappear into its pages.
Maya, the ringleader, leaned in with a mocking smile. "Still pretending to be a witch, Ezili? Maybe your cats can help you make some friends," she teased, her friends snickering behind her. Ezili shrank into herself, brown eyes glistening, clutching her backpack tightly. "Just leave me alone, please," she whispered, but they only laughed harder.
Obyn's brown eyes flash with concern as he kneels beside his sister. "Ezili, are you alright? Did they bother you again?" Ezili nods silently, tears threatening to fall. Adora wraps her in a golden-clad hug, her voice soft but fierce. "You know, I think you're the coolest person ever. Anyone who doesn't see that is just missing out,"
Obyn puts an arm around both sisters, his voice steady. "People can be mean, but you have us. You have your cats, your books, and all your magic. That makes you special," he says, offering a reassuring smile. Ezili manages a small laugh as Nyx nuzzles her cheek. "Thanks. I guess it's not so bad with you two," she admits, glancing at Adora who beams back.
Adora fetches hot cocoa for everyone, her gold clothes glowing in the light. "How about we do some reading together? Maybe we'll find a spell for turning bullies into frogs," she jokes, making Ezili giggle. Obyn pulls out a board game, and the three siblings settle in, laughter and warmth filling the room.
Ezili glances at her siblings, feeling the sting of the day fading away. "You know, maybe I am a little magical. At least with you two around," she says, her smile genuine. Adora squeezes her hand, and Obyn gives a soft chuckle as the night air fills with hope and the promise of another day together.
