She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 223

Despite the fall, the little one scrambled back up, swaying slightly, and tried again.

"Grandma... please get up..." The kid's voice strained from the sheer effort.

Seeing this, Hulda broke into a run.

To her surprise, the moment she got close, the child dropped the old woman's arm and threw their arms wide, stepping in front of her like a fierce little beast guarding its prey. The kid glared at her with intense hostility.

The mud was so thick it completely masked the child's features, but those guarded eyes and the tight line of the mouth gave away the fear and tension underneath.

"Don't be scared, I'm here to help," Hulda said gently, reaching out to help the woman.

Before her hand could even make contact, the kid shoved her hard. "Don't touch my grandma!"

She stumbled, nearly falling over.

Just then, Mr. Miller finished up nearby and rushed over. "Kit, don't be afraid! She's a good person, not a bad guy."

He reached down to help, but the old woman was too heavy for him to lift alone.

Hulda immediately stepped to the other side. Together, they managed to pull the groaning woman to her feet.

This time, the fierce little kid didn't try to stop them, though the glare aimed at Hulda remained just as hostile.

It was the first time she had ever seen a look like that in the eyes of a child so young.

After helping the grandmother onto the bus, Hulda turned around to check on the kid.

Just as the child took a step toward the door, the kid in the window yelled again. "Don't let Kit on! Kit's gonna stink up the air!"

The other kids inside quickly chimed in. "Yeah, keep Kit out! Kit is toxic!"

Having just mustered the courage to step forward, Kit froze.

Finally, Mr. Miller intervened, gently but firmly shoving the kid onto the bus. "This isn't the time for nonsense! Get in!"

The doors hissed shut, and the bus rumbled to life.

Through the glass, Hulda watched as the child stood silently by the door, refusing to walk further down the aisle.

For some reason, her heart gave a painful little ache.