sleep

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*Luisa*

Alex's flight landed very late. I had actually wanted to pick him up from the airport myself, but Remo had put a spanner in the works and wouldn't let me go. Every time I'd thought he was asleep and wanted to leave, his hand had grabbed my arm again and pulled me back.

In the end, I had sent Franky to pick Alex up.

At least it was someone Alex had spent time with before.

After all, the two of them had ridden for the same team and I trusted Franky with my life. He was, by far, the most relaxed person on the ranch. He would manage.

So I sat in his bed with Remo and read him a book for what must have been the hundredth time tonight. But my eyes fell shut sooner than his.

I yawned when I heard footsteps in the corridor outside.

"Alex!" Remo's eyes were big and wide again. So that was the reason why I just couldn't get him to sleep.

"Do you want to say hello to him?" I asked, putting the book to one side. He nodded immediately. "Come on then. But then you'll finally go to sleep.".

"I promise," he breathed and climbed over me out of bed.

His little feet trudged barefoot across the floor to the door. I followed him as he reached up to the handle and opened the door.

Franky turned around immediately because he was probably expecting me, but then had to smile when Remo came running out of the room.

"Alex," he repeated enthusiastically.

Alex stood in the hallway with his suitcases and seemed a little overwhelmed that the little boy was so happy to see him. He put his suitcase down anyway and squatted down. Just in time, before Remo jumped into his arms with great momentum.

Alex just managed to catch himself and laughed in surprise, while Remo was already snuggled into the crook of his neck. I could see Alex's expression change immediately. There was something like pure joy mixed with pain. As if it was completely new that someone had come and hugged him like this. He wrapped his arms around Remo's back and closed his eyes, almost letting himself fall into the embrace.

Franky took a small step closer and whispered, "He was very quiet on the ride." before stroking my arm briefly and then going back downstairs.

Remo giggled happily before detaching himself from Alex.

"Hey, welcome home." I smiled as he turned his gaze to me.

"Thanks." He slowly sat back down.

"How was your flight?" I took Remo in my arms again.

"Quite well, actually. Franky already told me that Remo didn't want to sleep?" He laughed softly and took a step closer to stroke his hair.

"Yes, it seems he's been waiting for you. I told the kids you were coming tonight and..." the door to Pippo's room opened next to us.

"Uncle Alex!" He ran his eyes sleepily, but was beaming.

"Hey big guy." Alex laughed in surprise.

"They were really looking forward to seeing you. Just in case you hadn't noticed," I smiled as he lifted Pippo up.

Alex's face now wore a very broad grin. A bit like he hadn't expected it.

"I was looking forward to seeing you too," Alex laughed and seemed to really enjoy the hug.

I gave him a moment before he put Pippo back down and then stroked the older brother's hair "And now back to bed, you two."

"No, can't we sleep at Uncle Alex's?" Pippo whined, holding on to Alex's hand.

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