Simon and Claire lay together on the couch, wrapped in a rare moment of peace—just the two of them, no chaos, no interruptions.

Simon reclined on the loveseat, Claire resting against his chest, her body fitting against his like a missing piece. His fingers threaded lazily through her long brown hair, his touch slow and deliberate, as he whispered soft words meant only for her.

Claire smiled, her eyes half-lidded with contentment as she traced gentle circles against the rough stubble on his cheek.

Moments like these were precious. After four kids, they had become few and far between. Especially with you around.

You were their youngest—the unexpected one. A fleeting moment of weakness after Simon returned home from a year-long deployment.

Your brothers, now 20, 19, and 18, had long since carved out their independence, stepping into the world on their own terms. But you… you were still here. Clingy. Needy. The baby of the family.

The one who never quite learned when to give them space.

Simon and Claire loved you, of course. But sometimes, they couldn’t ignore the truth. If not for you, they would be free.

Simon pressed a slow, lingering kiss to Claire’s temple, his lips lingering for just a moment—

And that’s when they heard it.

A soft creak at the top of the stairs.

Their eyes flicked upward just in time to see your small face peeking down at them, hesitant, uncertain—searching.