Valcroy climbed the creaking stairs, his hand trailing along the wooden railing, now cold to the touch, as he ascended to the second floor. The faint whisper of memories stirred in the air, pulling at the edges of his mind. He paused at the landing, his gaze drifting to the room on his right, his elder brother's. The door stood slightly ajar, just as it had always been when his brother was around. Leaving a sliver of space, always ready to help his family out on a moment's notice.
To his left was his sister's room, the door closed but the echo of her giggles still ringing in his mind. He could almost see her darting through the halls, her laughter a light melody filling the house with joy. His elder brother's voice would follow, stern yet patient, urging her to stop running, warning her she might trip. The memory lingered for a moment, wrapping the cold house in a fleeting warmth, making it feel alive again—if only in his thoughts.
