Ethan: Keep that noise down over there.
Maya: I am just putting the brass back on the table.
Ethan closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the patterned sofa cushions. Within minutes, his heavy, steady breathing filled the quiet room.
Maya stood silently behind the couch, staring at the back of his head. The heavy brass candlestick holder felt cold and substantial in her hands.
Maya: You think you can control everyone in this home.
She took a deep, quiet breath, watching his shoulders rise and fall smoothly with each breath. The house was completely silent except for the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway.
Maya: I have suffered through enough treatment from this family.
She lifted the heavy brass ornament higher with both hands, her jaw set firm. Every argument, every harsh demand from the old man, and every unwanted touch from Ethan rushed through her memory.
Maya swung her arms downward in a swift movement, aiming directly beside the sleeping boy's shoulder. The heavy brass base struck the hard wooden edge of the sofa frame with a loud, resounding thud.
The sudden impact sent a jarring vibration up her arms. The loud crash echoed off the high ceilings and hardwood floors of the bright living room.
Ethan startled awake instantly, slipping off the edge of the smooth sofa and tumbling onto the floor in complete confusion. He scrambled backward across the hardwood, wide-eyed and gasping for air.
Ethan: What on earth are you doing?!
Maya: Showing you that I am not afraid of you anymore.
Ethan: You nearly hit me with that heavy brass piece!
Maya: I hit the couch on purpose to wake you up completely.
Ethan sat on the floor, staring up at her in shock while clutching his elbow. Maya lowered the brass candlestick to her side, her face completely calm and composed.
Ethan: You are absolutely crazy, Maya!
Maya: No, Ethan. I am simply done taking orders and threats from you.
The heavy silence returned to the room, broken only by Ethan's quickened breathing on the floor.
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