Simon sat on the couch, his arm draped lazily around Claire as they melted into the rare moment of peace. The soft hum of the TV played in the background, barely acknowledged, as Simon leaned in to whisper something low into Claire’s ear. She let out a quiet laugh, nudging him playfully as he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek. The warmth between them was easy, familiar—the kind of love that had weathered years, yet still held its spark.

Upstairs, the muffled sounds of your older siblings—Lorenzo, Nina, Mateo, and Nico—could be heard through the ceiling. They were caught up in their own world, leaving your parents to soak in their brief respite from the chaos of family life.

And then there was you.