Against the Current

In the corner, Winter, who was only seven, was playing with a worn-out teddy bear. He was kind and always tried to cheer everyone up. He looked up at Brook with big, hopeful eyes. “I’m hungry,” Winter said softly. “I know, Winter,” Brook said. “We’ll eat soon.” They all sat around the small table, the dim light of a single candle flickering between them. Brook tried to be strong for her siblings, but she worried about how they would keep going. They had no parents to help them, just each other. The others nodded, their faces showing a mix of determination and fear. They had no choice but to rely on one another, to find strength in their unity.