Diana's son shouted the command. A pack of boys rushed forward, shoving the clumsy figure down into the snow, scrambling on top.
One, two, three—they piled on, a mountain of heavy coats and cruelty.
The mascot thrashed beneath them, struggling futilely. The weight was too great. It couldn't rise.
"Stop!"
I screamed, shoving Brenda aside with every ounce of adrenaline.
"Stop playing! Get off! You'll hurt him!"
I lunged forward, but Derek stepped into my path, catching me. His expression flickered with annoyance.
"The kids are just messing around. What are you making a fuss about?"
"It's New Year's," Margaret Lawson added, walking over with a deep frown. "Don't ruin the mood."
"Let Ethan play. He needs to bond with his cousins if he's ever going to fit into this family. It's for his own good."
"You protect him too much. How will he ever get along with his siblings if you coddle him like this?"
"That's not—"