Lost
Shinki yawned as he woke. His body ached, and he felt cold. He reached to his side to see if Norio stole the blanket again and froze when his hand couldn't find his baby brother. His green eyes opened wide in panic only to close shut instantly as the harsh rays of the desert sun hit them.
“What, Norio? Mother?! Father?! What's going on? Where is everyone?!”
His panic began to rise as he opened his eyes again. He began to turn frantically looking for his home, his village, his family, and more importantly his brother. He bit his lip to hold back the forming tears, he didn't know where he was, he didn't remember leaving his bed. He was in the desert, outside of the village, alone.
“Maybe mother and father lost me...”
Shinki quickly found a small amount of shade to crouch under. He'd wait for his parents like they taught him. He remembered his mother saying he should remain calm and find water and shade if he ever got lost outside of the village. He needed to remain safe until he could find his way home.
“Don't worry Norio, I'll be home soon.”
Shinki waited for the sun to set before moving. His chest hurt as he finally made the connection. It was no accident he woke in the desert. Someone had to have brought him out here while he slept, his parents must have sent him away. He didn't know why they would, but he knew he was still going to go back home. He needed his baby brother.