The sterile hospital room hummed with fluorescent light, casting a pale glow on the white walls. Kyle Braxton lay in the narrow bed, his face bruised and bandaged from the car crash. His brothers—Heath, Casey, and Brax—stood by his side, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.
"Kyle," Heath said gruffly, his voice betraying his worry. "You idiot. What were you thinking, driving like that?"
Kyle managed a weak smile. "Missed you guys too."
Casey ruffled Kyle's hair, a rare display of affection. "You scared the hell out of us, bro."
Brax crossed his arms, his eyes stern. "We thought we'd lost you."
Kyle winced as he shifted in the bed. "I'm fine, really."
Heath's gaze bore into him. "You better be. We've got rules now."
"Rules?" Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Casey chimed in. "First, no more reckless driving. Second, no leaving the hospital without one of us."
Kyle chuckled. "You guys are overprotective."
Brax leaned in, his voice low. "We almost lost you once. We won't risk it again."
They took turns punching him lightly on the arm, their brotherly love palpable. Kyle's chest tightened. These were the moments that mattered—the unspoken bonds, the shared history.
Heath cleared his throat. "And no more late-night escapades."
Kyle frowned. "What? I can't sneak out?"
"Not without us tailing you," Casey said.
Brax added, "We're a team, Kyle. Always have been."
Kyle's eyes welled up. "I don't deserve you guys."
Heath clapped him on the shoulder. "Damn right, you don't."
They settled into chairs around his bed, their presence a shield against the world. The hospital noises faded, replaced by their banter, their laughter.
"Remember when we used to build forts in the backyard?" Casey said, a wistful smile on his lips.
Kyle nodded. "And Brax would be the commander."
Brax grinned. "Someone had to keep you guys in line."
Heath leaned back. "We'll build a fort here if we have to."
Kyle's heart swelled. "Thanks, guys."
As the night wore on, they shared stories—of childhood pranks, of secrets whispered under the stars. They talked about their parents, gone too soon, and the legacy they carried.
When visiting hours ended, they stood to leave. Brax squeezed Kyle's shoulder. "Get well soon, little brother."
Casey tousled his hair. "We'll be back tomorrow."
Heath's eyes softened. "Don't scare us like that again."
Kyle watched them go, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Alone in the quiet room, he felt their love wrap around him like a warm blanket.
He whispered, "I won't, guys. I promise."
And so, the Braxton brothers stood guard, their rules a testament to their fierce bond. Kyle closed his eyes, grateful for the crash that had brought them even closer.
