Painting was all Layla ever thought about. It consumed her. Made her feel something she couldn't even begin to describe. Unfortunately, life seemed to drag her back towards reality when all she really wanted to do was live among the stars.
Layla sat her desk, pondering over the sketch that was finally beginning to take shape. A small boy skipped into her room, stopping upon seeing her.
"Layla! You said you would play with me!" he whined, tugging on her sleeve.
"I will." Layla replied, not even sparing a glance at him.
"Why not now?"
Layla sighed dramatically, finally meeting his eyes. She couldn't say no to them, she just couldn't. It was like he cast a spell that always forced her to say yes. "Alright." She stood up from her desk ."What do you want to play?"
"Hide and seek! You know it's my favorite!" Oliver chirped, jumping up and down with excitement.
"Hide and seek it is then." she grinned, "Go hide and I'll seek."
He squealed with excitement, running out of the room giggling.
Layla shook her head fondly, beginning to count with her eyes closed. They placed this so often, she knew nearly every spot in the house. Yet somehow, he always managed to sneak a win from her.
"Ready or not! Here I come!" she shouted, walking out of her room.
Almost immediately she could hear Oliver's giggles coming from a close room.
"Olives! Where are you? I'm going to come find you!" she called, chuckling.
She moved into the room, an office for her father's work. Her eyes searched the room, landing on where the giggles were coming from. The closet.
She tip toed towards it, throwing the door open. "I see you!"
Oliver squealed, attempting to run away. Layla allowed him to get away for a minute before chasing.
Finally she caught him, grabbing him and bringing him to the ground gently. They were both doubled over, laughing.
"Got you!" she exclaimed, trying to catch her breath.
"I still win." Oliver pouted playfully.
Layla chuckled, "Of course you do, I always let you win."
They both finally caught their breath, sending them into a comfortable silence.
"Do... do you think Dad is right?" Oliver suddenly asked, his eyes falling to the ground.
"About what Olives?"
"About becoming an astronaut. Is it really that far out of reach?"
Layla sighed, pulling her little brother into a hug. "Of course not, Olives. You can dream anything you want. No dream should ever be limited, especially not at your age."
Oliver leaned into her chest, enjoying the comfort it brought.
"Layla?"
"Hmmmm?" Layla hummed, pulling out of the hug to meet his eyes.
"I love you."
Layla smiled widely, "I love you too." She gently cupped his face with her hand. "To the moon and back."
Oliver giggled making Layla laugh as well.
Layla smiled.
Her little brother, the light of her world.
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Hope you liked it!
This one was a little shorter, but that's because I'm splitting the original chapter into three parts.
Hope you have an amazing day!
-Snowy
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A Spark of Hope
Художественная прозаLayla has always been the outcast of the family. Her creativity has always set herself apart from her siblings, one being a sporty jock and the other a genius. But she doesn't let that stop her, to her all she needs is the support of her best friend...
