The bright fluorescent lights of the Grand Avenue Mall hummed above the crowd of weekend shoppers.
Fourteen-year-old Lily pulled her white coat tightly around her shoulders, leaning heavy weight onto her metal crutches.
Her left ankle was strapped in a thick black brace, making every single step across the polished floor an ordeal.
Strapped over her chest was a small cloth carrier where her baby brother, Leo, whimpered softly against her neck.
Right above them, hanging from the glass balcony rafters, was a massive American flag that fluttered in the draft of the air conditioning.
Lily: Shh, Leo, it's okay. We're almost at the pharmacy, sweetie.
Veronica: Out of my way, you pathetic little cripple!
Before Lily could turn her head, a sharp black designer heel kicked hard against the base of her right crutch.
The metal pole shot out from under her arm, sending Lily crashing down onto the cold marble floor.
Her paper shopping bags ripped open upon impact, scattering baby bottles, receipts, and personal items across the concourse.
Little Leo let out a terrified, hysterical cry as Lily shielded him with her body to absorb the blow.
Standing right above her was Veronica, wearing a sleek black dress, her arms crossed as she smirked down at the floor.
Veronica: Watch where you are dragging yourself!
Lily: You... you kicked my crutch on purpose!
Veronica: You were blocking the entire walkway with your bulky garbage! People are trying to shop!
Lily: My brother is sick! I was just trying to reach the store!
Veronica: Then hire a nurse or stay at home where you belong! You're an eyesore!
A few onlookers stopped to whisper, but nobody stepped forward to confront the angry woman in the expensive dress.
Lily wiped a hot tear from her pale cheek, her hands shaking as she tried to gather her brother's spilled medicine bottles.
Suddenly, fast heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway, and a broad-shouldered man in a dark leather jacket rushed through the crowd.
He dropped to his knees right beside Lily, his face dark with concern as he began gathering her scattered belongings.
Carter: Are you alright? Did you hit your head?
Lily: I... I think my baby brother is okay, but my leg hurts so bad.
Veronica: And who do you think you are? Her personal savior?
Carter: Shut your mouth and back up before I call security!
Carter reached into the pile of papers to scoop up a small velvet pouch that had burst open on the marble.
As he picked it up, a heavy gold chain slid into his palm, glinting brightly under the mall lights.
Carter froze completely, his breath catching in his throat as his thumb brushed over the distinct family crest engraved on the gold medallion.