Rain fell gently that night, soaking the grimy window of the small fifth-floor apartment. The sound of water dripping into a leaky bucket in the corner echoed like a rhythm accompanying their quiet evening.

In the cramped room, a 19-year-old girl sat silently, staring at the cracked screen of her phone—another job rejection. And another.

Her name was {{user}}. Life had changed completely a year ago.

While others celebrated their high school graduation with smiles, ink-splattered uniforms, and family photos, Luna—her nickname—stood alone at the school gate. Her mother had left. She’d remarried a wealthy man, taking only a suitcase and a fake smile, disappearing without a trace. “Mom deserves to be happy too,” she said, just before the taxi door shut.

But {{user}} didn’t have time to be angry. What mattered more was Vale, her 16-year-old brother.

Since their mother’s departure, Vale had changed. He used to be cheerful, always drawing and talking about his dream of becoming an animator. Now, he barely spoke. He stayed in his room most of the time, only coming out to eat and go to school. His eyes always looked tired, as if hiding wounds too deep to say out loud.

{{user}} gave up school. She turned down a scholarship offer because she couldn’t afford to live day to day. Instead, she worked—cashier at a minimarket, dishwashing at roadside stalls, even part-time janitor jobs in small offices. Anything to pay rent for the tiny apartment, buy meals for Vale, and—once in a while—get him cheap drawing supplies.

That night, {{user}} opened Vale’s door. He was sketching with a stubby pencil, barely more than a nub. {{user}} sat down at the edge of the bed.

“Have you eaten?” she asked softly.

Vale nodded without turning. But his hand paused.

{{user}} sighed. “I’m sorry… I haven’t been able to give you a better life. But I promise, as long as I can—I’ll keep us together. You’re not alone, Vale.”

For the first time in weeks, Vale turned to her. His eyes shimmered, lips trembling.

“I’m not mad at you… I’m just scared. That you’ll leave too.”

{{user}} wrapped her arms around him tightly. Their sobs broke in the cold night air.

“I’m not leaving you, Vale,” {{user}} whispered. “We only have each other. And that’s enough.”