His earnestness tugged at her heart, and she pulled him into a hug, his little brother nestled between them. She whispered soothing words, assuring him that they would figure it out together.

That night, after putting the boys to bed, she discussed everything with her husband. They agreed to install a nightlight in the baby’s room and reassured their eldest that he could always come to them if he felt scared. They also made sure to spend more time with him, listening and engaging, hoping to ease any fears simmering in his young mind.

Over time, the shadows seemed to lose their grip on the boy’s imagination. Whether it was the nightlight or simply the comfort of being heard and understood, the six o’clock ritual gradually faded. The parents remained vigilant, aware now of the depth of love and responsibility their eldest carried for his brother.

As the days turned into months, the incident became a fond family story, a testimony to the protective instincts of an older sibling. Yet, for the mother, it was also a reminder of the unseen battl