"Mother, please don't hit big brother!" Aliya cried, scrambling to her feet. Her tiny hands grabbed her mother's arm, trying to shield Leon. "Big brother helped me today at the dining hall. Don't hurt him!"
Leon, touched by her concern, reached out to pat her head gently. "It's okay, Aliya," he said with a soft smile. "She's not hurting me. This is… mother-child love."
Aliya's wide eyes darted between her brother and mother. After a moment, she frowned thoughtfully, then balled her tiny fist. With all the strength her small frame could muster, she smacked Leon's cheek. "I want to love you too, big brother!" she declared with innocent determination.
Leon froze, his cheek stinging from the unexpected blow. He stared at Aliya in astonishment, unsure whether to laugh or cry. His mother, however, burst into laughter, her melodious voice filling the room. The sight of her joy, paired with Aliya's giggles of satisfaction, warmed Leon's heart in a way he hadn't thought possible.
For the first time since arriving in this strange new world, Leon felt a genuine sense of belonging. Surrounded by his mother's laughter and his sister's innocent affection, he allowed himself to laugh as well. It wasn't just a moment of happiness—it was the beginning of something he had never truly experienced before: family.