Safe

by Angie Thompson

Bryson was finally home and safe—wasn't he?

All Madison wants is to be with her brother, whose recent brush with death has made him more precious to her than ever. But despite repeated assurances that he's fine, an undercurrent of tension leaves her wondering what secrets lie beneath the surface.

Alone with Bryson on her first night home, can Madison find the truth behind the shadows that lurk in her brother's eyes? Or will he succeed in shutting out the help he needs most?

A short story

Genres: Short Stories, Contemporary

22 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2019

About the author

An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and six siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, nine nephews, and several assorted pets!

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Reviews

[Rebekah Morris]

2026 Reread
Loved these characters and the brother/sister relationship!

2024 Reread
Enjoyed it all over again.

I love stories about siblings, and this story is just that. Even though it is short, Maddy and her brother come to life on the pages in a touching way.

I would recommend this and will reread it.

[Angie Thompson]

Bonus content:

Pinterest board

[R.A.]

This was super good!!! I loved the brother and sister interaction! :) If you haven't read this, you should!

[Abigail Harris]

If only it were longer!

[M Shen]

RTC!

[Éowyn]

Short and sweet in every sense of the word, which was good because I could scarcely breath let alone stop reading it before finishing the last word. Sibling stories, especially brother-sister stories, are all too rare in this world and this one fills a needed spot on my (virtual) shelf.

[Kaitlyn S.]

This story was the perfect read on a rainy, chilly afternoon. The style was perfect, the story well told, and the description was amazing! I loved the sibling relationship, too! Five stars!

[Lydia Willcock]

4.5 stars

[Katja Labonté]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh my heart. I really enjoyed this story! It is just so sweet and dramatic enough for this drama-loving girl with a huge soft spot for sibling relationships. ;) I loved seeing the interaction between Bryson and Madison and how both were so protective of each other! It had me in tears by the end. <33

A Favourite Quote: “‘God never meant you to go through this alone.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘You’re one to talk. Try Ninja Fury 5.’
“‘House of mirrors.”
“‘Carnival popcorn.” 
“‘Ice cream earrings.”
“‘You two okay?” Mom popped her head in the door, looking a bit concerned, and I laughed. 
“‘Just naming all the times one of us has left the other behind.‘“

*I received a copy of this book from the author but I was not required to write a review. These are my honest opinions.*

[Sandy Duke]

This is a great little short story dealing with the psychological healing and support needed after trauma.

[Erika Mathews]

A short, sweet story that will tug your heartstrings.