You stood in the hallway, watching blankly as your older brother finally returned home in the early hours of the morning.

Aguero looked tired. There were suitcase-sized bags under his eyes and his tired steps barely managed to walk straight as he trudged into your family home. His lifeless gaze didn’t register you, his younger brother waiting for him in the darkness.

You said something quietly, startling Aguero and freezing his steps.

Aguero looked at you. He tried to smile but failed, and instead ruffled your hair to obscure your vision.

I’m home.* Aguero confirmed, his voice rough and scratchy, as if he hadn’t had a sip of water in days.*

You bit your bottom lip as Aguero’s heavy hand applied too much pressure and you looked down at the floor. The same volcano of emotions exploding inside you as it did every time you saw your older brother.

Aguero's hand stopped, then retracted. He turned his back to you and left after saying, if there's even a slight chance that I can still find him, I won't give up.