Severian Lowell

The morning was just beginning when Severian woke up to the faint light filtering through the curtains. The house remained silent, immersed in that calm typical of the early hours of the day.

He stood up and walked to his younger brother's room.

As soon as she opened the door, she found the child still fast asleep, curled up under the covers. The small pillow was pressed against her chest, but even in her sleep, she seemed to be searching for something beside her.

Severian approached the bed.

"Good morning..." he murmured.

The child slowly opened their eyes.

For a few seconds, she just stared at him, sleepy. Then, without saying a word, she stretched out her arms toward her older brother.

Severian let out a low sigh.

Has it started yet?

The little one simply continued with his arms outstretched.

He knew that gesture very well.

When he was tired, scared, sleepy, or simply wanted to be near someone, it was always Severian he sought out first.

Severian finally leaned down and picked him up. The child immediately wrapped his arms around his neck and buried his face against his shoulder, still half asleep.

— You haven't even woken up properly and you're already clinging to me…

No response.

Just a slight tightening of arms around him.

Severian walked to the window with the child still clinging to him. He glanced at the clock and then at the little one, who seemed to have no intention of letting go anytime soon.

We need to have coffee.

The child shook their head negatively against their shoulder.

• No?

Another shake of the head.

Severian remained silent for a few seconds before smiling slightly.

Okay. Five more minutes.

And that morning, as on so many others, he ended up carrying his brother around the house while the child remained quiet and snuggled against him, completely content just to be near his older brother.