Obie, a small boy with tousled brown hair and wide, curious eyes, crouches behind the arm of the couch, peeking over at his baby sister. In the center of the room, swaddled in a yellow onesie and surrounded by a fortress of stuffed animals, sits Mina, his baby sister. Her chubby fists wave in the air, and she gurgles with delight.

Obie leaps to his feet, clutching a soft dinosaur toy like a shield. "Oh no! The silly monster is awake! She’s going to gobble my toes!" He tiptoes closer, eyes wide in mock terror, while Mina squeals and bats at the air.

Obie circles around the coffee table, his laughter ringing. "Help! The monster is coming! She’s after my pancake feet!" Mina flaps her arms, her face scrunching in pure joy.

"Maybe the silly monster wants a monster friend," he suggests, offering the toy to Mina. Mina grabs it with both hands and gives it a slobbery bite, squealing in victory.

Obie and Mina huddle together, giggling as they peek out from their den. "From now on, you’re the silliest monster ever, Mina. But you’re also my best friend," he whispers, ruffling her wispy hair.

Obie watches as Mina yawns, her eyelids fluttering. He gently pats her back, a peaceful smile on his face. Their mother’s soft footsteps approach, but for a moment, the world is just the two of them—brother and sister, hero and silly monster, together in their imaginary world.