One Shots

Across the Universe

Little Ariana's heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Her eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope as she imagined what her little sister would be like.

Would she have a head full of dark curls like their mother, or perhaps their father's mischievous smile? The possibilities danced through her mind, fueling her eagerness.

As the door opened, Ariana held her breath, her eyes fixed on the figure stepping into the room.

It was her mother, a radiant smile gracing her face, cradling the newborn in her arms. Ariana's heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of her sister, cocooned in a soft, blanket. Her eyes widened with wonder and awe, and she took a tentative step forward, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"Mama, is that her?" Ariana asked, her voice filled with a blend of awe and excitement.

Her mother's smile widened as she nodded gently, her eyes shining with a mother's love. She walked closer, extending her arms to offer Ariana her first glimpse of the little bundle of joy. With careful tenderness, the nurse approached her, a gentle smile mirrored in her eyes, and she carefully handed the newborn to the little girl. Cradling the precious bundle with trembling hands, Ariana felt a wave of emotions wash over her. The baby stirred slightly and let out a contented sigh as if sensing the presence of her sister.

Her eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of joy, awe, and an inexplicable connection that transcended words. Pride, and a profound sense of gratitude for the gift she had been given. At that moment, she knew that their lives were forever intertwined. She leaned in closer, her small nose almost touching her sister's delicate cheek. With the tenderness of a butterfly's kiss, she whispered, "Hello, little one. I'm your big sister, Ariana."

Ariana's voice trembled with emotion, her heart overflowing with love. She marveled at the sight before her, a miracle of life nestled in her arms. The weight of responsibility settled upon her young shoulders, but it was a weight she gladly accepted.

She studied every tiny detail—the delicate curve of her sister's lips, the smoothness of her skin, and the innocence in her closed eyes. In that intimate moment, time seemed to stand still. Ariana's breath mingled with her sister's, their connection woven into the very air they shared.

Tears cascaded down Ariana's cheeks, each droplet a testament to the overwhelming surge of emotions within her. She gently pressed her finger against her sister's palm, marveling at the tiny grip that wrapped around it. It was as if her sister already knew she was not alone, that Ariana would be there to guide and protect her every step of the way.

A soft smile curved her lips, her voice filled with love as she whispered, "I promise to be the best big sister I can be."

Ariana's mother watched the beautiful scene unfold before her, her heart brimming with pride and love for her two daughters. She wiped away tears of joy as she observed them. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she spoke softly, her voice laced with tenderness.

"Seeing you with your sister fills my heart with such joy, Ariana," her mother said, her voice quivering with emotion. "You are already an incredible big sister, and I know you'll be a guiding light in her life. Together, you two will share a bond that will shape both of you in the most beautiful ways."

Ariana looked up at her mother, her eyes shining with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Mama," she whispered. "I'll always be there for her, no matter what. We'll face the world together. We'd face even you and Papa."

Her mother's smile grew wider as she knelt beside Ariana, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

As Ariana held her sister, a name formed in her mind—a name that would forever bind them together. She looked up at her mother, a sense of certainty in her eyes.