Hi! Nice to meet you. My name is Drake Sapphirús and I am three years old. My mommy always says that I'm very smart, that I'm a quick learner and that I understand things that other kids can't yet. Sometimes I hear her say that I'm "way ahead of my age," even though it's just natural for me to ask questions and discover the world. But what I love the most is when she hugs me tight and tells me she loves me very much.
My daddy... he says I'm his proudest asset. "You are my most precious jewel," he whispers to me as he carries me on his shoulders and takes me around the house as if I were a knight on his steed. I like to make them happy, because when they are, everything shines brighter around me.
I'm a very well-behaved child-or at least I try to be. If I behave well, my daddies smile more, hug me more, spoil me more... and sometimes they buy me new toys! Although more than toys, I like it when they tell me stories or teach me new things.
I learned to read and count very quickly thanks to them. They explained it to me patiently, as if it were a game. And when I was finally able to read by myself, they gave me a special present: my favorite food and a glass of coffee... just like the one they always drink! I tasted it with excitement, but... yuck! It was bitter, horrible, like biting into a dried plant. My mommy laughed and with an amused look, added some milk and sugar. The taste changed completely-now I really liked it. I felt big, just like them.
Every night, before I go to sleep, my daddy tells me stories. Not ordinary stories, no. They are stories about the great hero Charles Von Mondragon and his ten brave allies. They were the ones who brought peace to the world, fighting with strength and honor. I close my eyes and imagine those warriors with their shining armor, their swords glittering in the starlight... I would like to be like them someday.
Time in our world is different, and at first it was hard to understand. A year has four hundred and eighty-four days and is divided into eleven months. Each month is forty-four days long, and a week has eleven days. Sounds strange, doesn't it? At first I thought so too. But my daddy explained to me that it was all decided in honor of the eleven great heroes who brought peace. Before, people didn't have an exact way to measure time, so they marked it with something meaningful, something they would never forget: the names of those who saved the world.
Now, every day, every month, every year, we remember those warriors. Their names are written in our history, in the sky, in time itself. And someday, perhaps, my name will be there too.
***
About five months later, on a quiet night, I suddenly woke up with an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I felt like going to the bathroom and, since I was awake, I would also take the opportunity to drink some water. With soft, sleepy steps, I walked out of my room and into the dark hallway.
All was quiet, or so I thought... until I heard some strange sounds coming from my parents' room. I stopped in my tracks. It was not a familiar noise. My heart started pounding as I slowly approached the door, trying to figure out what was going on. Just then, a muffled scream from mom unnerved me.
-Ah... Ethan..." My skin crawled.
My skin crawled. Was he in danger? Was something wrong with him? Driven by trepidation, I reached my trembling hand to the doorknob and carefully opened the door. What I saw inside... it didn't make sense to me. My parents were on the bed, naked, hugging each other tightly as their bodies moved in a strange way.
They looked agitated, their skin glistened with sweat and their breaths were heavy, as if they had been running... but it wasn't hot and they hadn't gotten out of bed. My confusion was such that I had to interrupt them.
-Mom... Dad? -my voice sounded unsure in the silence of the room.
My mother's body immediately jumped and she covered herself with the sheets, panic reflected on her face.
-Drake! -she exclaimed in surprise. I blinked several times, trying to understand what I was seeing.
-What are they doing? -I asked, incredulous.
My parents exchanged a nervous glance, not knowing what to answer me. Something was going on, but I couldn't figure out what it was.
My father gave a nervous laugh before answering me in a calm voice.
-Look, my son... when Mom and I love each other very much, we find ways to make that love even stronger.
-Does that mean we'll always be together? -I asked with innocence in my voice.
My father smiled warmly and opened his arms, inviting me to come closer.
-Of course, my child. My beautiful jewel. Come, Drake... and let's remain a happy family forever.
Without hesitation, I ran to him and took refuge in his embrace. I felt the comforting warmth of his body and the familiar scent that always made me feel safe. That moment was engraved in my heart as an indelible memory.
But the tranquility didn't last long.
-Drake, what are you doing up so late? -Mom asked, this time with a slightly annoyed tone.
-I had to pee... and I also wanted some water. -I answered truthfully.
She sighed and looked at me with a mixture of tenderness and firmness.
-Go to the bathroom and go back to sleep right away. If you don't, I'll punish you.
-Yes, Mom. -I nodded and turned to leave the room.
Just as I was about to walk through the door, I heard their voices say in unison.
-We love you, Drake.
I paused for a moment and, with a big smile on my lips, responded with the same affection.
-And I love you.
Unbeknownst to me, that night marked the beginning of something bigger...because at that very moment, my parents were giving life to my next little brother.
***
I'm four years old now. Dad told me that when I turned five, he would start teaching me how to handle a sword. He's not a warrior, but he knows enough to defend himself, and I want to learn too. The idea of wielding a sword excites me, makes me feel strong... although, in reality, I don't know if I'll be able to do it.
Sometimes people say strange things about me. Some comment that I look like someone from another world. I've never given them much importance, but... those words have echoed in my head more than once. Is it true? I don't know. Maybe they're just things adults say when they want to make a child feel special.
What does occupy my thoughts right now is something completely different. Mom is in the final stages of her pregnancy. I will soon have a brother or sister, and that fills me with excitement...and also a little jealousy.
Everyone is so focused on her, her well-being, what she needs, and while I understand that it's important, I can't help but feel like I'm no longer the center of attention.
Pregnancies usually last six to seven months, depending on the baby's health and any complications. That's why I'm nervous. I want everything to go well. And as much as I want a baby brother to play with, if it's a baby sister... I will take care of her with all my heart. I will protect her with my body if necessary.
***
The moment came. Mom was about to give birth.
A doctor and a young lady came to help her, assuring Dad that everything was under control. With professionals in charge, there was no reason to be nervous... right?
And yet, my chest felt tight. Anxiety drove me to the extreme of wanting to be present. I wasn't allowed to see much, but mom's screams made me imagine everything.
I couldn't stand still. I moved a little closer, wanting to understand what was happening. And then I saw it.
It was smeared on the bed, on the sheets, on the doctor's hands. My stomach churned.
-Wow... this is... surprising.
And that's where my curiosity ended.
Dizziness hit me immediately and my vision became blurry. I don't remember at what point I fell, but the next thing I knew I was on the ground, passed out. It was pretty pathetic of me.
When I woke up, in addition to Dad's laughter, I heard Mom's soft voice.
-I don't want you to have to take care of two people now," she joked, though her voice sounded tired.
My face burned with embarrassment, but seeing her smile reassured me.
When I finished taking in what had happened, I saw my father laughing with amusement.
-Curiosity killed the cat... well, in your case, it made him faint. -He let out a laugh as I sat up with an embarrassed grimace.
Maybe I wasn't ready to see something like that... but at least the waiting was over. My little brother-or little sister-was already here.
I slowly approached Mom, who was resting with the baby in her arms.
Her eyes reflected exhaustion, but also immense happiness. I approached her timidly, feeling my heart beating faster than usual. It was strange... a mixture of nerves, excitement and curiosity.
-Mom..." I whispered, almost afraid to break that peace.
She turned her face toward me, her soft smile lighting up the room, "Look, Drake..." she whispered tenderly, pulling me a little closer. It's your little brother, Thomas.
My eyes fell on him. He was so tiny... his rosy face and tiny hands moved softly, as if he was dreaming of something beautiful. I was speechless.
A warm feeling enveloped my chest - Thomas...? -I repeated softly, savoring the name.
Mom nodded, gently stroking his little head, "Yes, my love. Now you'll have someone to tell all those hero stories you love so much...and teach her what it means to be part of our family, too.
I felt a spark of pride ignite inside me, "I promise to do it, Mom," I smiled with determination, even though I had no idea what I was doing. -I smiled with determination, though my eyes were sparkling with excitement.
***
Time passed, and my promise began to be fulfilled. One quiet afternoon, while Mom prepared something to eat, I was left in charge of Thomas. He was lying in his crib, looking at me with those curious eyes that seemed to want to discover the world.
-Listen carefully, Thomas..." I spoke softly, leaning over so he could see me better.
He babbled and waved his little hands as if he really understood, so I kept talking.
-We are Sapphirus... and that means something important. -My voice sounded more serious now, as if I were sharing a secret.
-Dad says we should never mention our last name outside the house..." I paused, measuring my words. Not because it's a bad thing, but because here, in our town, we are all equal. A last name does not make a person worth more or less.
I looked at Thomas with a warm smile, "Always remember this, little one... what really matters is who you are and how you treat others.
Thomas stared at me...and then something magical happened. He let out a soft chuckle, as if he understood every word. His little eyes sparkled with joy, and his little hands waved excitedly.
My heart skipped a beat. Maybe I didn't understand yet...or maybe I did. But in that instant, I felt our souls connect.
-You liked that, huh? -I laughed softly, stroking his little head. I'm so glad I have a brother I can tell everything to...and teach him to be strong and good.
Thomas responded with another charming chuckle. And in that moment, I knew I would never be alone. Because now I had someone to protect, to care for... and to love with all my heart.