Our Little Flea

 "You don't understand how the world works. This money… it's not for you to squander. You're just a child. I need it to start a family and take care of all of us but what are you going to do with it? But Barbie dolls?" he scoffed at the end.

Lucia's hands trembled at her sides, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anger. "It's not yours either," she shot back, her voice wavering. "My dad left it for me, to take care of myself, my needs, and study for my future. How could you—"

Her uncle's hand shot out, grabbing her by the wrist with a grip that made her wince. "You don't get it, do you?" he hissed, his face inches from hers. "Without me, you'd have nothing. You'd be lost. You should be grateful that I'm here to take care of things for you."

Lucia tried to pull away, but his grip tightened, cutting off any chance of escape.

 "Let go of me!" she cried, fear creeping into her voice as she struggled against him.