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𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇, Spencer Reid becomes the parental guardian to his little sister after institutionalizing his mother - proving to him that raising a kid is hard when you're still a kid yourself.
Elizabeth Reid was born twelve years after Spencer, a surprise pregnancy that leaves the Reid household in disarray before she is even in diapers. Spencer had biked over to the library after hearing the news, researching for eight hours just exactly the right thing to do. He had been so scared about another life being brought into the chaos, but once he held her within his hands he knew that it was the one good thing he had to protect.
When Spencer turns eighteen, he realizes one thing: love can't fix things. He makes the difficult decision of institutionalizing his mother and taking legal guardianship of six-year-old Lizzy when fearing for his sister's safety with their mother's worsening condition.
Spencer could change diapers, he could take her to school, but actually stepping up proves to be far over his head. He can solve mathematical equations like nothing, memorize anything with a glance, give lectures, but he cannot for the life of him understand why Lizzy refuses to go anywhere without something pink and talks back like she has a personal vendetta against him.
Spencer's mind is sent into a loop; is he holding on too tightly? Not holding on tight enough? What are the chances of her turning into a sociopath from the childhood trauma?
Lizzy on the other hand, only really wants one thing. For Spencer to be proud of her, which is often left lost in translation. No matter what she does, it never feels good enough.
But love isn't just words. Sometimes it's packed lunches, bedtime stories, rambling, fighting about silly things, and learning when to let go. Most importantly, love can be just what Spencer and Lizzy need to heal.