The afternoon sun poured in through the windows, painting golden patterns across the living room floor. Aoi was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, brow furrowed, her small fingers clutching a pencil as she worked on a drawing. Watching her from the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile. Every expression, every flicker of focus—it was amazing to see such a lively spirit in someone so young.
As I brought over a glass of juice, she looked up with a bright smile, holding up her notebook. "Onii-Chan, look!" she chirped. She held up the drawing, a simple but heartfelt sketch of us holding hands under a sky filled with hearts.
I laughed and knelt down beside her, admiring it. "Well, this might just be my new favorite piece of art," I said, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
Aoi's cheeks turned pink, and she hugged the paper to her chest, looking down at it with a tender smile. "Aoi just wanted to draw how she feels with Onii-Chan," she murmured, her voice quiet and full of warmth.
"Come here," I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders as she leaned against me. "You make me happy too, Aoi. Happier than you probably know."
She nestled her head against me, and for a moment, we sat in silence, just enjoying each other's company. I wished I could promise her that this peaceful life would last forever, that we'd never have to face the outside world's challenges. But deep down, a flicker of worry nudged at me, reminding me that life is always moving forward.
Later That Day
We decided to get out for a bit, so we took a walk to our favorite café. Aoi held my hand the whole way, marveling at every little thing, from the sunlight glinting off cars to the squirrels darting up trees. With her by my side, even the simplest things seemed fresh and new.
Once we were settled at the café, I ordered us two slices of strawberry shortcake—her absolute favorite. Aoi's eyes lit up when the cake arrived, and she eagerly took her first bite, closing her eyes in bliss as she savored the taste.
"Onii-Chan, can we come here every day?" she asked, her eyes shining over her fork.
"Only if you never get tired of strawberry shortcake," I teased.
She thought about it for a second, then shook her head decisively. "Nope! Aoi could eat this every day and be the happiest kitty ever!"
Her words made me laugh, and I couldn't help but reach over to lightly pinch her cheek. "You're too cute for your own good, you know that?"
As we dug into our cake, a couple with a small dog walked past our table. Aoi's eyes widened as she watched the dog wagging its tail, and she waved shyly at it. The dog's owner noticed her and smiled warmly.
"Isn't he cute?" the woman asked, glancing at Aoi. "Do you like dogs?"
Aoi nodded enthusiastically, her eyes never leaving the dog. "Aoi loves animals!"
The woman laughed, kneeling down so Aoi could pet the dog. Aoi reached out, her fingers brushing through the dog's soft fur. She looked up at me with a delighted smile, as if petting this dog was the best thing that had happened all day.
"You're so lucky to have such a sweet Onii-Chan who takes you out for treats," the woman said to her, giving me a warm smile.
Aoi looked at me, her face full of pride. "Onii-Chan is the best! Aoi's so happy she's his little sister."
My heart swelled at her words, and I felt a warmth spread through me that no dessert could match. "Well, I'm the lucky one," I said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Moments like these made everything feel right.
That Evening
As we made our way home, the warm glow of streetlights lit our path. Aoi walked beside me, her hand gripping mine, her energy finally calming down after our busy day. She gazed up at me suddenly, her face unusually serious.
"Onii-Chan… why did that lady say Aoi was lucky?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
I stopped and knelt down, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "Maybe she saw how much we care about each other, Aoi. Maybe it's because we belong together."
Aoi seemed to ponder my words for a moment, her lip trembling slightly as she thought. "Aoi… doesn't want anyone to say she doesn't belong," she murmured, looking down at her feet. "Aoi just wants to stay with Onii-Chan… forever."
Her words struck a chord in me, and I felt a sudden wave of protectiveness. I pulled her into a tight hug, hoping to ease the doubts and fears I could see flickering in her eyes. "You do belong with me, Aoi. No one could ever say otherwise. You'll always be with me."
She looked up, her eyes brightening with a glimmer of hope. "Promise, Onii-Chan?"
"Promise," I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're my family, Aoi, and nothing will ever change that."
Her whole face softened, and the tension melted from her shoulders. She relaxed, letting out a small, happy sigh. We walked the rest of the way home in peaceful silence, her little hand nestled in mine, a renewed sense of calm settling over us.
Later That Night
Back home, Aoi changed into her pajamas and climbed up beside me on the couch, her favorite place to be. I wrapped an arm around her, and she nestled in close, her eyelids already growing heavy.
"Onii-Chan…" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. "Aoi… is so happy."
I chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "Me too, Aoi. Every day with you is the best day I could ask for."
She let out a contented sigh, and soon her breathing slowed as she drifted into sleep. Gazing down at her, I felt that familiar warmth blossom in my chest, that deep sense of love and gratitude that only she could bring out in me. I didn't know what the future held, but as long as Aoi was by my side, I knew I'd find the strength to face whatever came our way.
As the night settled around us, I found myself silently making another promise to her, one I'd keep no matter what: to protect her, to keep her safe and loved, as long as I had breath in me.
In that small, precious moment, with Aoi sleeping beside me, everything felt right. And I knew I'd do whatever it took to keep it that way.
END OF CHAPTER : 5 : ECHOES OF BELONGING