New Routine
Shinki quickly crawled out of his bed at the familiar crying sound that rang through the halls of their home. His baby brother woke up every night at the same time, and it had easily become a habit for him to wake as well. Before either of his parents could make their way to Norio’s room, he was there. He frowned as he stood beside the small crib holding his screaming baby brother. He wondered if he had a bad dream or heard a noise that scared him.
He slowly reached into the crib to lay his hand on Norio’s tiny stomach, “Shhh, I’m right here little brother. I’ll always be here. You don’t have to cry anymore. If it’s something scary, I’ll be here to protect you. I won’t let anything happen to you! So no more crying ok?”
Shinki’s frown became a smile as Norio slowly stopped crying, he was glad to help his baby brother. He quickly looked over his shoulder for his parents to be sure neither of them had woken up. When he was sure they weren’t coming, he leaned closer to the crib to meet Norio’s watery blue eyes.
“No more tears Norio, Shinki’s here. I’m your big brother, did you know that? And since I’m your big brother it’s my job to keep you happy and safe! So you never have to cry again!”
He giggled as he watched Norio try to squirm around. Shinki looked over his shoulder again before hesitantly climbing into the crib.
“You don’t mind your big brother laying with you, right Norio? This way if anything tries to scare you again, I’ll be right here.”
He smiled as he gently lifted Norio onto his chest. He made sure to keep Norio laying on his back like his mother had said he had to sleep. It wasn’t long before he wrapped his arms around his baby brother and drifted back to sleep to the sound of his small breaths and fast beating heart. If it were up to him, he’d share his room with his brother just in case he needed him at night. Shinki just wanted to be by his side.