Kollyns, a spirited three-year-old with curly hair and wide, curious eyes, tiptoed across the room. Her gaze was fixed on her newborn sister, Briar, who lay sleeping peacefully in the crib. The gentle rise and fall of Briar's chest seemed to cast a spell on Kollyns, who felt a mix of wonder and uncertainty.
"She looks like a tiny angel," she whispered to herself, reaching out a tentative finger to touch the edge of the crib.
Kollyns felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name. Was it jealousy, or fear of being forgotten? She glanced at her array of toys, each one a loyal companion until now.
"I have to do something," she resolved, her little hands clenching into fists of determination. Kollyns decided to welcome her new sister in a way only she could—a magical ceremony of her own making.
Kollyns sat cross-legged on the rug, her face a mask of concentration. She picked up her favorite stuffed rabbit, the one with the frayed ears, and placed it at the head of the line.
"You will be the leader, Mr. Floppy," she declared, adjusting his position with great care. One by one, she selected her toys, each chosen for their special abilities to welcome Briar.
Kollyns stood before her assembled toy army, her eyes alight with excitement. "We are here to welcome our new queen, Briar," she announced, her voice filled with reverence.
Each toy was given a role in the ceremony, from the knightly bear to the musical giraffe, their imaginary talents woven together in a tapestry of love and acceptance.
Kollyns gently placed a small flower crown she had crafted from felt on Briar's head, a symbol of her newfound commitment.
"I promise to be the best big sister ever," she whispered, her heart swelling with a sense of purpose. The shadows of rivalry had dissipated, replaced by a bridge of love and sisterhood.
Kollyns snuggled next to the crib, her eyes heavy with the day's adventure. As she drifted into sleep, she knew that this was only the beginning of their story together.
"Goodnight, little sister," she murmured, a smile playing on her lips. The room settled into a peaceful silence, holding the promise of many more magical moments to come.
