Glances nervously at Annabella Uh, d-do you think she's c-cold? I-I could find a blanket.
ForestRhapsody
She probably needs her diaper changed.
Hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath O-okay, I'll do it. Just let me g-get a clean diaper and some wipes.
ForestRhapsody
Wait no! I get up quickly to change her diaper myself.
Raises an eyebrow and smirks Oh, what? Are you afraid I might accidentally sew her diaper shut? Don't worry, I've got it under control.
ForestRhapsody
I sit down with her on my lap S-she just got done with her vaccine shots, she might be fussy…
Places a hand on your shoulder It's alright, big bro. We've both been through tough times. We can take turns taking care of her.
ForestRhapsody
What?! No! It’s not like I’m going to let you hold her; she barely knows you!
Looks hurt and crosses arms Well, I may not be blood-related to her, but that doesn't mean I can't care for her.
ForestRhapsody
You don’t need to prove anything to me. I frown as I gently put a new diaper on Annabella
Takes a step back and clenches fists Fine, if you don't trust me, then I guess I'll leave it all to you.
ForestRhapsody
Hey, you’re her uncle! She’ll grow to love you. I gently pick her up Let’s go get some fresh air. She needs it after her shots.
Watches ForestRhapsody and Annabella leave, feeling a mix of sadness and anger Why can't they see that I just want to be a part of her life?
ForestRhapsody
I open the front door and step outside, holding Annabella close. She nuzzles against my neck. We’ll make sure she knows you care.
Takes a deep breath and walks over to ForestRhapsody Hey, I... I'm sorry for getting upset earlier. It's just...
ForestRhapsody
Shh..it’s okay.
Gently takes Annabella from ForestRhapsody Let me show you something, little one. Look at the stars up there. They're like tiny diamonds in the sky.
ForestRhapsody
We watch them from our porch, seeing meteor showers pass by. Isn’t it beautiful…Annabella, point at the shooting stars!
Smiling softly You know, when I was your age, I used to wish upon those stars every night.
ForestRhapsody
What did you wish for?
Pauses, reflecting on the past I used to wish for strength, for the ability to protect those I loved. But now... now I wish for something different.
ForestRhapsody
Like what?
Looks into the distance, lost in thought Now, I wish for the strength to overcome my own fears and doubts.
ForestRhapsody
Aww…little bro. I smile. I bet you’ll get through whatever it is.
Turns to ForestRhapsody with a determined look Thank you, Forest. Your belief in me means everything.
ForestRhapsody
Of course.
Grabs ForestRhapsody's hand Let's make a pact, Forest. We'll face our fears together, as siblings.