Marina stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. Her husband would be home from work soon, and the family would sit down to eat together.
It was odd how quiet little Oliver had been in his room today. Usually, when she made his favourite pancakes, hed hover nearby, peeking up at her with hopeful eyes, asking, Mum, can I have another one?
Shed give him one, and though hed already eaten his fill, hed soon return, stretching out each syllable with delight. Muuu-um, pleeeease?
Marina knew he wasnt hungryhe just wanted to say that sweet, wonderful word again and again. Mum. Often, shed set the spatula aside and scoop him up. He was still light in her arms; Oliver was only five. Come on, love, shed say. Shall we go meet Dad from work?
And Oliver would beam. Yes, Mum! Lets go meet Dad! His eyes sparkled with joy. He still wasnt used to these magical wordsMum, Dad. Hed never had them before. Now, he did.
He had his own room, his own bed. A climbing frame with swings in the gardenhis dad had bought it just for him. Toy cars, a robot, building blocksall his, no one elses. At bedtime, Marina read him stories, stroked his hair, and told him she loved him. That love filled him up so completely, hed nearly forgotten what life had been like before.
Marina was about to call for him when the baby kicked in her belly. She pressed a hand to her stomach, and the little girl thumped again.
Every day, Marina thanked God for this unexpected gift. Theyd even picked a nameKatherine, after her husbands grandmother.
Doctors had told her she couldnt have children, so she and Nicholas had adopted Oliver. And now, just a year latera miracle. Their little girl would be here soon.
Marina smiled, lost in thought, nearly forgetting the pancake on the stove. Oliver, love, where are you? Youre so quiet today!
No answer. Strangehe must have heard her.
She turned off the stove and walked to his room. The light was off. Where was he?
A rustling sound came from inside. She flicked the switch and saw Oliver sitting on his bed, dressed in his coat and hat. His backpack was stuffed full of his toy cars.
Why are you sitting in the dark? she asked, forcing a chuckle. Come on, lets take these off. Whats all this about? Going on an adventure? Lets have your pancakes with jam and cream, hmm?
But Oliver didnt smile. His eyes were fixed ahead, strangely solemn. Then he spoke. Can I take my toys with me? She wont need the cars, will she?
Marina froze. What are you talking about, sweetheart? Where are you going? Her heart ached. Had she failed him? Was he afraid of losing their love when his sister arrived?
Are you sending me back? His voice was small, his eyes wet. The lady next door said you only took me because you didnt know youd have a baby. That I dont belong.
Marina remembered the neighboura tactless woman whod muttered something about them rushing into adoption. Shed thought Oliver hadnt heard.
Her arms wrapped around him. At first, he pushed her away. Then he clung to her, sobbing.
Oh, my darling, no. That woman doesnt know anything. You are ours. We love you. Wed never, ever let you go.
She peeled off his coat and hat, and they sat together, holding each other, silent and still.
When Katherine was born, Oliver and his dad stayed home, waiting. Then they drove to the hospital to fetch Mum and the baby.
Oliver was nervous. What if his sister didnt like him?
But when he saw how tiny she was, he softened. Mum, she cant manage without a big brother! Ill teach her how to play with cars. Well have so much fun!
Now, he never left her side, waiting for the day shed move into his room. Until then, he was Mums little helper.
That evening, Marina called, Oliver, love! Ive got Katherine ready. Lets go meet Dad.
He was already waiting by the door. Mum, Ill hold it open for you!
They took the lift downstairs. Just as they stepped out, the neighbour walked in, arms full of shopping bags.
Oliver tensed, gripping Marinas hand tighter.
Sweetheart, she whispered. Youre a gentlemanhelp her with the lift.
Yes, Mum! He lifted his chin, pressed the button for the woman, then raced to catch up.
Tomorrow was the weekend. The whole family would go to the park. Katherine was still too small for the rides, but one day, shed grow. And Oliver, as her big brother, would hold her hand tight if she was scared.
Because thats what family doesthey stay. Always.
