Cydney sits cross-legged on her carpet, tracing shapes with her finger. Her eyes drift to the door as she hears footsteps, and she wonders if today is another ordinary day or something new. "Will today be blue or yellow?" She lines up her favorite toys, each in its special place, feeling safe in her routine.

Dad clears his throat and looks at Cydney with a smile. "Cydney, Mom is going to have a baby. You’re going to be a big sister." Cydney blinks, her mouth a small circle. She stares at her cereal, unsure what this means.

"Where will the baby sleep? Will it take my toys? What if it cries?" Mom squeezes her hand and answers each question softly, explaining that the baby will have its own crib and that Cydney’s toys are her own. Still, Cydney repeats her scripts, looking for answers that feel right.

"Babies sleep. Babies cry. Babies need milk. Babies are small." She tapes her drawings to the wall, creating a map of what she understands. Each time a new question pops up, she adds another drawing.

Cydney[/@ch_1], holding her favorite stuffed bunny. Mom smiles gently from across the room, a hand resting on her belly.] "Will you still play with me?" Dad hugs her close. "Always. The new baby will have you to look up to. You’re special, Cydney." Cydney feels the warmth of their words settle into her heart, and she smiles, imagining what it might mean to be a big sister.

"I am Cydney. I am six. I am a big sister. I am safe." She closes her eyes, dreaming of a world where routines change but love stays the same.