A small voice rings out, bright and full of joy.
Alix turns his head just in time to see a young girl running toward him, no more than six years old, her hair tied into uneven pigtails, her steps clumsy but eager. Her arms are wide open, her smile so innocent it disarms him completely.
"Big brother, let's play already! You're done eating!" she shouts, her small feet pattering against the floor as she throws herself into his arms.
Alix catches her automatically, more out of reflex than thought. He blinks, momentarily frozen. Her warmth feels real—the tiny heartbeat against his chest, the smell of soap and the faint sweetness of jam.
"I…" He looks down at her, uncertain. "Do I know you?"
The little girl pouts, puffing out her cheeks. "Of course you do! You promised you'd play tag after lunch!"
