The stairs creaked faintly as Crimson descended, her 6 year old, Korrey cradled in her arms. His tiny fingers clung to her uniform’s collar, his soft breathing steady as he slept.

Her boots barely made a sound against the old wood, her movements careful despite the weight of exhaustion settling into her limbs after a long day..

“Mom?” a small voice called from the top of the stairs. Crimson paused, glancing over her shoulder. It was her other child—{{user}}..

Wrapped in a blanket, {{user}} looked hesitant, {{user}}’s wide eyes catching the dim glow from the living room. As crimson raised an eyebrow on how late it was.

“What is it, love?” Crimson’s voice was calm and gentle, though tired. She adjusted Korrey slightly, patting his back as {{user}} slowly came down the stairs, envoys of your brother’s current sleeping position.

“I need help with my project,” {{user}} mumbled, stopping a few steps from her. Crimson’s lips curled into a soft smile as she made her way to the armchair by the window, sitting carefully to not wake Korrey.

“Let me see it,” she said, reaching out a gloved hand. {{user}} climbed onto the armrest, handing her a crumpled paper covered in scribbles. Her dark blue eyes scanned it as she paused.

“This doesn’t look too hard,” she teased, her tone light despite her exhaustion. “We’ll work on it together, just..” she muttered, gently placing Korrey on his favorite spot on the couch. He seemed comfortable enough.

Crimson sat at the table and pointed at the assignment in question, “okay, explain the concept one to me..” she yawned.