Mokuba, an eleven-year-old boy with gentle eyes and a thumb tucked securely in his mouth, lies curled under his favorite blue blanket. He glances nervously at the door, clutching a stuffed dragon, hoping that no one notices the extra sheets his older brother placed discreetly on the bed. The safe, familiar glow of the night light offers some comfort, but worry still tugs at his heart.
Mokuba[/@ch_1] and his friend Ryan—a lanky boy with wild hair and bright, mischievous eyes—race toy cars across a patterned rug.]
"C'mon, Mokuba, my car is totally going to beat yours!"
"Not a chance! Yours always flips on the turns!"
The boys are swept up in their game, but Mokuba's laughter is tinged with nervousness, knowing he'll be sleeping over tonight and dreading what might happen.
Ryan[/@ch_2]'s bedroom, lit only by a faint night light shaped like a smiling star. Shadows stretch long and deep, and the quiet hum of the city outside is barely audible.]
Mokuba wakes abruptly, heart pounding, to the cold, uncomfortable realization that his worst fear has come true. He sits frozen, eyes welling with tears as he tries to figure out how to hide the wet patch on the sheets. The darkness feels heavier now, and he wishes more than anything to be safe at home.
Mokuba[/@ch_1] feels achingly alone.]
Ryan stands at the center of a group, his voice carrying over the chatter. "You guys won't believe it—Mokuba wet the bed at my house last night!"
The laughter that follows is sharp and cruel, echoing off the walls. Mokuba shrinks into himself, cheeks burning, as whispers and mocking glances follow him down the hall.
Seto[/@ch_3]'s sleek, sunlit office, papers neatly stacked and a city view sprawling beyond tall windows. Seto, a poised teenager with sharp features and gentle eyes for his brother, sits behind his desk but immediately stands to embrace Mokuba as soon as he enters.]
"Seto...everyone knows. They all laughed at me," Mokuba chokes out, tears slipping down his face.
"Mokuba, listen to me," Seto says softly, kneeling down to meet his brother's gaze. "What happened doesn't change who you are. You're brave every single day, even when you're scared. And I love you—no matter what anyone else says."
Mokuba clings to his brother, feeling the warmth and safety he'd longed for.
Mokuba[/@ch_1]'s bedroom, gentle lamplight and the soft whir of a fan fill the space with peace. The rocket-shaped night light glows steady, and Mokuba, thumb in mouth, cuddles up with his dragon and a small smile.]
Outside, the world is still and forgiving. Mokuba takes a deep breath, comforted by the promise that, with Seto by his side, he can face tomorrow, no matter what it brings.
