Christmas, 1942

“Elijah?” The voice comes from the door. Standing there, silhouetted against the low light from the hallway is his sister.

He smiles when he sees her and beckons her over, “You can come in, Clara. You know that.”

She nods and steps into his room, her nervous fingers twirling the delicate silver cross hanging from her neck. Her golden eyes search his face, “Are you alright?”

“Are you?” He pats the bed next to him.

“I’m worried about you!” She gently touches his cheek, barely brushing the pad of her thumb over the bruise swelling under his eye. “Uncle shouldn’t do these things to you.”

“I’d much rather take the beating if it means you don’t get hurt.”

She shakes her head and looks closer. Eli can see the roots of her hair are starting to turn the same white as his.

“Clara…” He pulls her hand away and holds it, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “No matter what happens, you know I’ll protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.”

He turns her wrist over, silently exposing the finger-shaped bruises running along the inside of her arm. “Yes, you do. Especially if he keeps doing these things to you.”

Clara quickly pulls her arm away and tugs the sleeve of her robe into place, “I’m fine.”

Eli sighs, “Clara look at me.” He waits for her eyes to meet his before continuing. “You’re my sister, and I love you. You know I would do anything for you.”

She takes a breath and nods, looking down, “I just… I don’t want him to think you’re weak.”

“I’m in the army now,” Eli laughs. “He can’t count me as weak anymore.”

She smiles, seemingly satisfied with his answer. “Can I sleep in here tonight?”

He pets her head, feeling her soft hair run along his fingers. “You’re sixteen, you can’t sleep alone?”

“Not tonight…” She crawls under the blankets and curls up. Eli laughs softly and settles next to her, closing his eyes.

“I love you, Elijah.”

“I love you too, Clara.” His words are quiet and slow. He dozes more, but opens his mouth to talk again, “You know I’ll protect you…”

“I know,” She turns over and curls into his chest, her breathing becoming slower and calmer.

He falls asleep a moment later, content that she’s safe with him for the night. He can protect her from anything… can’t he?