Mia stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Jake, her younger brother, with crumbs clinging to his lips and a guilty expression. "Jake! Are you eating my snacks again?" Jake froze, a sheepish smile spreading across his face.

"Uh, maybe just a little," Jake admitted, trying to look as innocent as possible. Mia crossed her arms, tapping her foot with exaggerated patience. "You know those are my favorite, right?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mia suddenly lunged at Jake, her fingers poised and ready. "Tickle attack!" she declared, her hands finding the spots she knew would send him into fits of laughter. Jake squealed, trying to escape the ticklish onslaught, but his laughter was too overwhelming.

Jake finally managed to catch his breath, his sides aching from the laughter. "Okay, okay, I give up!" he gasped, raising his hands in surrender. Mia relented, her own laughter bubbling over as she sat back.

"Next time, just ask, okay?" Mia said, ruffling Jake's hair affectionately. "Deal," he replied, smiling up at her.

Mia and Jake sat quietly, their earlier antics leaving a warm glow in the room. "Thanks, Mia," Jake murmured, his voice soft with gratitude. "Anytime, little brother," she replied, giving him a gentle nudge.