THE LITTLE MONSTER'S EARS

Lelo was supposed to be asleep.

Her nightlight was on. Her music was low. Her silk bunny lay tucked under her arm, and her eyes were shut just enough to fool the maids.

But Lelo Ashborne hadn't slept in days.

Not since the sweater came back.

Not since she came back.

---

The house was silent, but the air buzzed. Like it held its breath. Like the walls knew something wicked was happening behind the white doors.

Lelo slipped from her bed, toes touching the cold marble like a whisper. She didn't make a sound as she padded to the hallway. Not a creak. Not a single echo. Daddy said she moved like a ghost. And ghosts heard everything.

She stopped in front of the door.

Serene's door.

No.

His door.

It was shut tight, but light spilled beneath it. Dim. Soft. Flickering.

She crouched down. Pressed one ear flat to the wood. And listened.

---

At first, nothing.

Then…

A sound. A breath. A muffled cry.

Lelo blinked.

And pressed harder.

Another cry. Not pain. Not quite. But something close. A whisper too soft to be anger. A moan too raw to be comfort.

Then came his voice.

> "You're mine."

Then her voice. Barely there.

Then more sounds.

Rhythmic. Shaky. Wet.

---

Lelo stood slowly.

Her little fists clenched.

She didn't cry.

Didn't scream.

Just turned away and walked back to her room.

Step by step. Soft as silk.

The bunny fell from her hand halfway down the hall, but she didn't notice.

---

Back in her room, she shut the door with a slow click. Climbed into bed. Pulled the sheets to her chin.

And stared at the ceiling.

Eyes wide.

Blank.

Unblinking.

Her mother had been touched.

Her mother.

---

When morning came, she didn't greet Serene with her usual soft hugs or breakfast giggles.

She watched her instead.

Watched how she walked.

Watched how she held the teacup.

Watched her smile — or try to.

And when Serene turned her back, Lelo whispered into her cereal:

> "You shouldn't have let him touch you."

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