“But...”

Maria interrupted Julie in a soft tone, “Mom, I used to live in a much worse environment than this. Don't worry. I chose to go back here, but I won't Let anyone bully me.”

Speechless, Julie held Maria's hands and pulled her into a hug.

She wanted to say what a good girl she was. She could cry in her arms for a while if she felt wronged.

But it was Julie who shed tears first. Maria stayed in her arms quietly. After a while, Julie wiped the tears from her flushed face.