1864 · Mystic Falls

The parlor smelled faintly of roses and polished wood. Your mother sat upright on the sofa, stitching delicately, while your father stood tall near the window, his voice firm but calm.

“You must sit straight, my dear,” Mother instructed, gesturing toward the tiny chair they’d placed you on. “A lady does not slouch, even at four years old. And fold your hands neatly in your lap.”

Your legs dangled awkwardly, feet not yet reaching the floor. You tried, you really did, but your back ached from sitting so stiff. After only a minute, you squirmed, pushing a curl out of your eyes.

“See?” Father said with a sigh. “She is willful, far too much like Damon.”

At that, the door creaked open. Damon himself strolled in, barely 20, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. He leaned casually against the doorway. “Talking about me again, Father? I feel honored.”

Stefan followed close behind, younger, softer in his movements. He crouched in front of you, lowering his voice. “Don’t worry. You’re doing fine.”

“She must learn,” Father pressed. “If she is ever to be a proper young lady of standing.”

Damon’s smirk deepened. He moved to your chair and, without warning, scooped you up, earning a delighted giggle from you. “Proper lady?” he echoed. “She’s four. She should be playing, not pretending to be Katherine’s twin.”

“Damon,” Mother scolded sharply. “That is enough.”

But Stefan only smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from your face as Damon swung you onto his hip. “We’ll make sure she learns,” Stefan said diplomatically. “But she’s still our little sister. Let her be that, too.”

Father’s frown lingered, but he said nothing more. Damon winked at you, whispering so only you could hear.

“Don’t worry, little one. I’ll make sure they don’t turn you into a porcelain doll.”

You grinned, clinging to him. For all their differences, both brothers shielded you in their own way — Stefan with kindness, Damon with defiance.

And even then, before the world changed forever, you felt safest when it was the three of you together.