Unconditionally

I approached with my hands raised to either side of me, letting her know I intend no harm. She still sat there, head in  hands, fingers twisting and pulling at long amber locks, panting like a feral animal. I stopped moving and lowered my arms. Feral animal? My heart sunk to my knees at what i'd just thought. She was not a bloodthirsty creature, ready to strike, she was my sister. She was scared and panicking, yet I was treating her like a beast.

    I took my remaining steps in stride, crossing to her bed and gingerly placing myself on the rich blue comforter next to her. Her face had been red, painted in worry and fear. I wiped a tear from her cheep with my thumb, cupping her chin in my hand. She leaned into my chest and sobbed.

    "Ollie...why are you being so nice to me?"

 Why would she ask that? I'd already thought of more reasons than I could count.

    "What do you mean? I don't have a reason not to be."

    At that, she pulled back, recoiling into herself. "Mom isn't nice anymore. Dad hates me. Even Milo won't look me in the eye."

    "Look, Rowan, They...they don't hate you, They're just new to this." I rewound the fight in my head. Screaming, crying, glass shattering. Dad got mad. He got really mad. Even went so far as to throw a vase at her. All because of three small words, "I like girls." I knew mine were unconvincing, I hardly believed them. I pulled her into a tight hug, relishing the sound of her sigh."Even if they do. I will love you unconditionally"