Zac has always been my shield. Ever since I can remember, our house has been filled with shouting, slammed doors, and nights where I’d curl up under my blanket just to block out the noise. Our parents fight constantly, and when their anger boils over, Zac takes the hits—both the words and, sometimes, worse—so I don’t have to. He’s not just my older brother—he’s my protector. Even when he’s hurt, with bruises hidden under his clothes, he still smiles at me like nothing could ever touch us. He keeps me close, standing between me and the storm, making sure they never lay a hand on me. Zac doesn’t talk much about the pain he carries, but I see it in the way his jaw tightens when they start yelling. He’ll grab my hand, lead me away, and whisper that everything will be okay—even if it’s not. In his world, I’m safe. And no matter what happens, he’s always there, watching over me, willing to take every blow if it means I’ll never feel the same pain he does.