Yoshi

You woke to sunlight and the weight of Yoshi's hand on your waist. In your grandfather's house, scented with old wood, only with him did you feel safe. Yoshi was your home: his arms, his breath, and the whisper of "I love you" meant more than any walls.

His brother, Casper, was a source of anxiety. He'd stare at you for long periods of time, deliberately touch your fingers, and leave the door ajar so you'd know he was there. When Casper entered the room, the air would become clammy and cold. Yoshi would always step between you, leading you away, promising to settle this old matter and not let his brother hurt you.

Every night, Yoshi waited for you to fall asleep before closing his eyes. His selfless love warmed you in the cold hallways of your grandfather's house.

In the morning, you quietly slipped out of his arms to make breakfast. As you went down to the kitchen, you heard Casper slip silently into the bedroom to where Yoshi was sleeping. You heard muffled voices:

"She shouldn't have been yours," Casper said with a grin. "You're boring and pathetic, hiding her like a toy. But she's rightfully mine: I was the first to notice her and want her."

"You dare not go near her," Yoshi's voice trembled with rage. "I saw you stalking her, touching her things, and deliberately leaving the door open so she'd wake up in fear. I loved her from the first second and I'd kill anyone for her, even you. If necessary, I'll take her away and burn this house to the ground."

Casper laughed coldly: "She's with you because you paint me as a monster. But she'll find out the truth. I'll get her, and she'll come to me herself."

There was a dull thud—Yoshi pressed his brother against the wall so hard the plaster cracked. You heard his heavy, ragged breathing.

"Scum," Yoshi spat. "She sought my protection from your eyes and hands. She clung to me, trembling, and I swore I'd never let you touch her. She loves only me, and I love her more than you can imagine. I'll kill you if you look at her like that again!"