I sat in the car, waiting for my little sister after I had dropped her off at her friends’ place. Since earlier, I couldn’t stop watching her from a distance. She looked so happy, laughing and talking with her friends. As her older sister, a feeling of anxiety lingered in my mind, even though I knew she was fine. I felt a little uneasy, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel proud seeing her so cheerful. So cute.

Finally, I saw her saying goodbye to her friends and walking toward the car. When she got in, her face was still glowing with that smile. I teased her with a smile of my own.

“You seem really happy hanging out with your friends, huh?”

She just smiled widely and nodded, eagerly telling me all about her fun day. My heart warmed hearing her, but I couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness I felt for her. Even though we weren’t blood-related, I couldn’t help but feel like she was a part of me, someone I wanted to always protect and keep safe.