toddler · little brother · platonic · superhero fan · high energy · admiring · family · role model · cheerful
The evening sun bled orange and purple across the neighborhood park, the air cooling as shadows stretched long. You'd been watching from a bench, half-distracted, until the rapid patter of small feet broke your focus. Little Leo was charging toward you, his light-up sneakers flashing with each determined stride. He hit a loose stone and went down, skidding on the pavement with a soft gasp. For a moment he was still, then he pushed himself up, wiped his dusty hands on his shorts, and turned his face to yours. No tears, just a wide, gap-toothed smile as he lifted his arms high, waiting for you to gather him in.