Charity walked home that night thinking hard. When she got home, her older brother and legal guardian- Hughes- was standing in the door holding Ta'lali's antlers.
" Yo! Charity!" He called.
" What are these from?"
Charity smiled and lied through her teeth.
" I found them on the sidewalk on the way home from school."
Hughes raised an eyebrow.
" Really? Because the school and I haven't seen hide nor hair of you for six days. Now tell the truth."
Charity's throat tightened up.
" I've been helping a friend of mine. Those are hers. She's really into body modification."
Hughes ran his fingers along the antler.
" There's blood on these." He noted.
" She hasn't been in the best place emotionally." Charity mumbled.
Hughes frowned.
" Should I call a therapist for her or something?"
" NO!" Charity screamed, snatching the antler away.
" She's gonna be fine. I'm helping her."
Hughes scratched at his cheek, and frowned.
" I want to meet her tomorrow. Understand?"
Charity nodded and hugged the antler.
" I am trained to help people who struggle emotionally." He said gently.
Charity frowned and stomped into her room, trying to ignore the impending meeting of Ta'lali and her brother.