"Ana! Ana! You're back!" Alex crowed, his excitement utterly undampened by her somber demeanor as he squirmed in her embrace.
"Alex, hi," Anastasia whispered and hugged tightly, still wondering how could this boy love her even though she had been so mean to him most of his life.
Anastasia managed a watery chuckle, ruffling his tousled locks affectionately as she drank in the sight of her little brother/son - so full of innocent joy and wonder, unburdened by the complexities that weighed so heavily on her own heart.
With a subtle look of understanding passing between them, her parents herded the rest of the curious pack away, allowing Anastasia a moment of solitude to gather herself before facing the onslaught of well-meaning questions.
Clutching Alex's small hand tightly in her own, she made her way to her room.
"I'll see you soon, Alex," she murmured, pressing a kiss to Alex's brow before gently shooing him from her room.
