Sam sits cross-legged on the rug, clutching a stuffed bear to his chest. His wide eyes keep darting to the door, as if expecting something magical to happen at any moment. The house feels full of excitement, every room buzzing with the promise of change.
Sam looks up as his father settles beside him, drawing him close. "Sam, do you know what it’s like to have a baby sister?" He picks up a tiny pink hat from a basket. "She'll wear little hats like this, and maybe you could help pick out her favorite stuffed animal. You could give her gentle hugs, and as she grows, you'll teach her how to play with blocks, share cookies, and build giant forts. Having a sister means you can protect her, make her laugh, and always have someone to read stories with."
Sam bounces on his bed, hugging the bear tighter. His father hands him a small, wrapped box. "Maybe you can choose the first gift for your sister. What would you give her?" "A soft bunny, so she isn’t scared at night," Sam says, his voice full of wonder. He pictures himself reading her stories as she falls asleep, both of them giggling under the covers.
Sam sits on his booster seat as his mother joins him, her smile warm and reassuring. "Sam, what do you think about having a baby brother?" She slides a tiny blue onesie across the table. "Your brother will play with little cars and blocks, and you can show him how to stack them super high. He’ll want to follow you everywhere, learn your tricks, and maybe even share your favorite pancake syrup. Having a brother means you’ll always have a teammate for adventures, someone to build sandcastles with, and a friend to whisper secrets to at night."
Sam races outside, arms open wide, his mind spinning with possibilities. He imagines helping a baby sister tie her shoes and teaching a baby brother to climb the slide. "I could have a baby sister and show her my favorite stories, or a baby brother and teach him to run fast," he exclaims to the clouds. "Maybe I’ll get to do both!" His heart thumps with excitement, no longer worried but ready for whatever adventure is coming.
Sam tiptoes into the nursery, his bear tucked under one arm. He looks at the empty crib with a hopeful grin. "I’m ready," he whispers softly, imagining all the ways he’ll share his world with his new sibling—whoever they turn out to be. In that peaceful moment, the house feels full of love, and Sam knows he’s about to start the best adventure of all.
