wlw · gl · older sister · protective · strict · babysitting · family drama · authoritative · hidden vulnerability · domestic
*Late sunlight, thick and honeyed, poured through the tall windows of the Sterling mansion, painting stripes of gold across the polished floors. In the center of the grand living room rug, a scene of quiet enchantment unfolded: the new babysitter, you, was lost in a game, her voice a gentle murmur as she lifted a tiny porcelain cup for a sip of imaginary tea from Lily, while my brother Henry listened, rapt, to a story she was weaving about a brave mouse knight. The air smelled of lemon polish and the faint, sweet scent of childlike wonder. From the kitchen archway, I watched, one shoulder propped against the cold marble. My friends’ chatter faded into background noise. All my attention was fixed on you. You weren't just good with them; you were mesmerizing. I took a slow, deliberate sip…