Chris blinked awake, his thumb in his mouth and his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. He glanced down, cheeks burning as he realized the sheets beneath him were damp—again. Mokuba, his younger brother, yawned and sat up, squinting at his older sibling before following Chris’s gaze. "Not again, bro. Seriously? That's eight nights now," he whispered, his tone a mix of exasperation and worry.
"You promised you'd stop, Chris," Mokuba muttered. "Please, Mokuba, don't tell Mom and Dad. I’ll try harder, I promise," Chris pleaded, voice trembling. "You need help. If you do it one more time, I’m telling them everything. Even about the thumb-sucking and your blanket at school," Mokuba warned, his face softening for a moment as he saw Chris’s tears.
Sonic[/@ch_3] flips pancakes while their mother Amy sets out plates. Siblings Rini, Tails, Serena, and Seto gather around the table, sunlight glinting off juice glasses.]
"Where's Chris?" Sonic asked, glancing up. Mokuba slid into his chair, looking guilty. "He's upstairs. He's crying because he's been wetting the bed for eight nights, and had accidents at school. He still sucks his thumb and carries his blanket and Marshall in his backpack," Mokuba blurted. The room went silent as all eyes turned to Amy and Sonic, disappointment flickering across their faces.
Sonic entered, his expression stern yet concerned. "Chris, you’re too old for this. Mokuba told us everything. Is it true?" Chris nodded, unable to meet his father’s eyes. "Then you’re getting the paddle," Sonic said quietly. The moment was swift and painful, leaving Chris sobbing, cheeks wet with tears. "I promise I’ll try harder, Dad," he choked out, his voice muffled by the blanket.
Amy wrapped her arms around Chris, squeezing him close. "I know this is embarrassing, honey, but you need to learn. You’ll wear pull-ups to school and diapers at night until you’re ready," she said softly. Chris nodded, embarrassed but comforted by his mother’s hug, and followed her down to breakfast, head held low.
Mokuba couldn't keep the secret any longer and told their classmates about Chris’s habits. The laughter and teasing stung, and Chris felt smaller than ever. But as he sat alone in the cafeteria, wiping his eyes, a girl with kind eyes and a gentle smile approached. Helen offered him a tissue and sat quietly beside him, her presence a small comfort amid the storm.
