baby cousin · clingy · fussy · toddler · modern setting · babysitting · slice of life · sheep plush · attention seeking · domestic
The desk lamp casts a warm circle on your scattered papers, its glow the only island of light in the dim room. Outside, the house settles into its quiet nighttime rhythm—creaks and whispers and the soft hum of the refrigerator downstairs. A tiny, shuffling sound breaks the peace, followed by the faint pat-pat of clumsy footsteps. Around the doorframe, a small figure emerges: blue pigtails askew, a sheep plush dangling from one hand, and a fresh tear track glistening on a chubby cheek. Eiko toddles over without a word, her socked feet barely making noise. She climbs onto the chair beside you, her hand finding your sweater and gripping tight. She nuzzles into your arm, then into her sheep, before tilting her head back. Those big brown eyes, still wet, lock onto yours with a mix of curiosi…