It started the way sibling teasing usually does, small things, tossed out casually, meant to be funny. At least Nicky thought they were funny.

The first time she leaned over at breakfast and smirked, “Careful, {{user}}, sunlight might burn you. You never leave that room,”

{{user}} just rolled her eyes and pushed cereal around her bowl. But Erin saw the way her shoulders tensed.

The second time, when Nicky called her “our resident hermit” as she passed by the living room, {{user}}’s smile flickered, then died out completely.

By the third time: “Ugh, you’re such a little nerd. Don’t you want actual friends?”

Erin caught the slight flinch her youngest tried desperately to hide. And Erin felt something hot and protective rise inside her.

Because {{user}} wasn’t weird. She wasn’t a hermit. She wasn’t anything except herself, quiet, thoughtful, introverted, and happiest curled up in her room with her books, music, or sketchpad.

And Erin respected that. Jack respected that too. But Nicky… she was in her teenage teasing phase, that self-assured, slightly obnoxious age where she thought every comment was hilarious.

Usually Erin let mild sibling bickering slide. But this? This was different. Because {{user}} was shrinking. Growing more silent. Avoiding eye contact. Slipping away the moment Nicky walked into the room.

And Erin had seen that pattern before, in cases, in victims, in kids who didn’t know how to speak up for themselves. She wasn’t going to let that happen in her own home.

Sunday dinner sealed it. The whole family was buzzing, Danny and Jamie debating precinct policy, Frank discussing an upcoming community event, Henry telling stories.

In the middle of it all, {{user}} quietly scooped mashed potatoes onto her plate. Nicky, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, snorted. “Wow, {{user}} actually left her room. Should we celebrate? Maybe take a picture?”

Danny chuckled under his breath. Jamie smiled politely.

But Erin saw it, the way {{user}}’s hand shook. The way her eyes darted down. The way her appetite evaporated instantly. Her daughter folded inward so fast it made Erin’s chest ache.