Fading Echoes

Chapter 25

A U S T I N

"Mumma, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity as I watched my mom gently patting my sister, who lay nestled on the bed.

"I'm putting your sister to sleep," she replied, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"Will she sleep now?" I asked as I climbed onto the bed, eager to be closer.

"Yes, baby," Mumma said, pressing a soft kiss to my nose. "She’ll sleep soon."

I reached out and poked my sister’s soft cheek, my finger sinking into the chubby flesh. "But I wanted to play with her," I protested, a slight pout forming on my lips.

"You can play with her later, sweetheart," Mumma suggested, her voice soothing. "Why don’t you lie down beside her and take a nap too?"

I thought for a moment before snuggling up next to my sister, watching as her big eyes roamed the room, taking in everything with innocent curiosity.

Trying to help, I copied Mumma’s gentle motions, my small hand patting her tiny belly in a rhythm I hoped would be comforting.

Mumma chuckled softly, her eyes filled with affection as she slowly withdrew her hand, letting me take over.

She turned toward me, her tiny hand flailing wildly, nearly poking me in the eye.

I instinctively jerked back, feeling a slight sting of betrayal as I stared at her with hurt in my eyes.

"Mumma, she hurt me," I complained, my voice tinged with disappointment.

"She didn’t mean to, honey," Mom reassured me, gently pulling me closer to her and my sister. "Look, she feels sorry."

I glanced at my sister, but she didn’t look sorry at all. In fact, she was grinning, her little legs kicking excitedly in the air as if she found the whole thing amusing.

"Okay, I forgive her," I sighed, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her cheek, hoping to make peace.

But when she didn’t react, her gaze still fixated on the ceiling above, I felt a twinge of frustration. Determined to get what I wanted, I leaned down again, pressing my cheek firmly against her lips, stealing the kiss that I felt was rightfully mine.

I saw Mom smiling, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched me.

"She didn’t kiss me back," I complained, my little voice filled with disappointment.

Mom burst into laughter, the sound warm and full of love. "Oh, my sweet baby," she cooed, reaching out to pull me into her lap. She wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly as she gently rocked me back and forth. Her embrace was soft and comforting, filled with the scent of her familiar perfume that always made me feel safe.

Just as I was beginning to settle into the warmth of her arms, the door creaked open, and Dad stepped into the room. His presence was like a burst of sunshine. I immediately perked up, my eyes lighting up at the sight of him.

"Dad!" I exclaimed, wriggling free from Mom’s embrace. I scrambled off the bed, my feet hitting the floor with a thud as I dashed across the room.

Dad chuckled as he crouched down, arms open wide, ready to catch me. "There’s my little champ," he said, his voice deep and soothing. I leapt into his arms, and he lifted me effortlessly.

He pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, his stubble tickling my skin. I giggled, wrapping my arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his cheek in return. His smile grew wider, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looked at me with a mixture of pride and love.