Multiple Failed Attempts

[Elise’s POV]

I watch as Serenity and her guard dog grow farther and farther away from me. I can’t stop the feeling of pity I feel for my niece due to her reaction toward me. It was clear without even saying that she was definitely dealing with bullying and being ostracized by the rest of her peers. In a way, she reminded me of me at that age, and that left a sour taste in my mouth.

‘What’s the game plan now?’ Anna asks as I continue to watch. ‘She’s got a pretty thick wall around her.’

‘She does.’ I agree, shifting my gaze to her guard dog. As I do, Serenity peeks back at him, and I see something familiar flash in her eyes. ‘But that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up.’

Smirking, I watch the guard dog say something that causes a flash of dismay to form on Serenity’s face before she quickens her pace.