Chapter 4 - Cracks in the Armor
The next morning, Nora arrived at precisely 7:00 AM. Hazel was waiting for her in the hallway, holding a bucket of soapy water with a spiteful look.
"You think you’re smart, don't you?" Hazel snapped, standing at the top of the stairs. "You think write one note and my dad’s going to make you queen of the house?"
"I don't want to be queen," Nora said calmly, placing her bag on the entry bench. "I just want to pay my tuition, Hazel. And I think you’re tired of being angry all the time. It’s exhausting, isn't it?"
Hazel raised the bucket, intending to dump the dirty water over Nora’s head just like she had done to Nanny #14. But Nora didn't flinch. She looked Hazel directly in the eyes with absolute compassion.
"Drop it if you need to," Nora said softly. "I have spare clothes in my bag. But after you drop it, I’m still going to make breakfast for your sisters, and I’m still coming back tomorrow."
Hazel’s hands shook. The heavy plastic bucket began to tilt, but the malice had drained out of her arms. Tears welled in the twelve-year-old’s eyes.
"She promised she’d never leave us!" Hazel screamed, her voice cracking as she finally broke down. "She said she’d watch us grow up! She lied!"
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The bucket fell, splashing soapy water across the hardwood floor, and Hazel collapsed onto the stairs, sobbing uncontrollably. Nora didn't hesitate. She stepped through the dirty water, sat down beside the grieving young girl, and pulled her into a firm, grounding embrace.
For ten minutes, Hazel wept against Nora’s shoulder, releasing months of pent-up rage and terror. Upstairs, five small heads peeked out from behind their bedroom doors, watching in stunned silence as their fiercest protector finally surrendered to her grief.
