Little Leo, just two years old, sat on the living room floor, tears streaming down his cheeks. His tiny hands reached out for his big sister, Rainbow, who was only seven but wise beyond her years. Rainbow quickly dropped her toys and rushed to his side, wrapping her arms gently around him.
“There, there, Leo,” she whispered, rocking him slowly. “I’m here.”
Leo’s sobs quieted a little as he buried his face into Rainbow’s shoulder. He didn’t understand everything, but he knew something had changed. Mum, Libby, wasn’t as present anymore. She used to cuddle him, sing lullabies, and play peekaboo. But now she seemed tired all the time, always looking at her phone or staring off into space. Sometimes she forgot to make his lunch or didn’t hear him cry at night.
Rainbow noticed too. At first, she thought Mum was just busy. But now, Rainbow felt like she had to step in—to love Leo the way Mum used to.
“It’s okay, Leo,” Rainbow said softly. “I’ll take care of you. I’ll always be here.”
She helped him up, brought him his favorite stuffed lion, and made sure he had his bottle. Later, she even tried to sing the lullaby Mum used to sing. It wasn’t perfect, but Leo smiled through his tears.
Rainbow didn’t know why Mum had changed, but she knew her baby brother needed her. Even though she was just a little girl, her heart was full of love and strength. She decided that no matter what, she would keep hugging Leo, wiping his tears, and being the sister he could count on.
Because sometimes, even little girls become heroes in their own homes.
