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Frank disregards her again, instead jerking an elbow into Sam’s mid-section. Sam grunts out in pain.

Abby summons her courage, and takes two forceful steps towards the brothers.

Frank (ignoring her demand) presses his weight harder into Sam. As Sam’s face reddens and his eyes water, Frank cannot help but smile wider.

Sam struggles unsuccessfully to break free from Frank’s hold. He shoots a glance to Abby, this time with kinder eyes in the hopes of uncovering an ally. But she only looks back nervously. Frank notices the eye-exchange and cackles again.

Frank cackles before shoving Sam hard into the wall behind them. With his forearm, Frank pins his brother in place.

Sam retreats back, as Frank reaches the bottom step, then marches forward until he is just a foot from his brother.

Sam’s pleasant demeanor immediately washes away, as his face turns flush with anger and anxiety. He glares into Abby’s eyes.

Sam flashes a cheesy grin as he points at himself, only to realize that his charm is falling flat. Abby looks ready to jump out of her skin. After another awkward pause passes, Abby’s eyes shoot back to the stairs. Sam notices, looks to the stairs himself, then back to her. He begins to grow

Abby motions to the family photo, where Sam and his sister bounce in their mother’s lap. He glances down at it, then back to her with embarrassed eyes.

It takes all her self control, but Abby stops herself from reaching over and yanking from Sam’s fingers. Instead, she smiles and nods politely back. He dribbles the necklace from one hand into the other, then offers it out to her. She reaches into his open palm, her fingertips tickling against his skin as she