Levi lay on the worn-out couch in the small living room, clutching his stuffed cat tightly to his chest. The toy was soft, a gift from his mother years ago, and had become his constant companion ever since. He couldn't sleep, not tonight. His mother's gentle voice was missing from his nightly routine, and the noise coming from the kitchen was too loud to ignore.
Through the cracked door, he could hear his uncle, Kenny, and his mother, Kuchel, arguing again. Levi knew he shouldn't be listening, but curiosity got the best of him. He scooted to the edge of the couch, careful not to make a sound, and peeked out.
"He has to stop being a baby, Kuchel," Kenny's gruff voice carried through the thin walls. "This neighborhood isn't kind to weaklings. He won't survive if you keep coddling him."
Kuchel's voice was sharp in response, "He's just a child, Kenny. My baby! I'm not letting him go down the same path you did."
Levi's heart sank. They were talking about him again. He clutched his stuffed cat tighter, trying to understand why they were so upset.
"You won't always be there to protect him, Kuchel," Kenny shot back, his tone cold. "And when that time comes, he'll be left defenseless. You're not doing him any favors by keeping him soft."
"Get out, Kenny," Kuchel's voice trembled with a mix of anger and exhaustion. "Leave. Now."
There was a brief silence before Kenny spoke again, his voice low, "You can't protect him forever, you know that, don't you?"
Just then, Kuchel's eyes flickered toward the living room door, spotting the small figure peeking out. "Levi?" she called softly, and Levi froze, caught in the act. "What are you doing up, baby?"
Levi stepped into the light, rubbing his eyes for effect, though they weren't really tired. "I couldn't sleep, mommy..." he mumbled, clutching his stuffed cat like it was his shield.
Kuchel's expression softened immediately. "Oh, sweetheart... come on, let's go to your room. I'll read to you." She started toward him, her hand reaching out.
Levi nodded, relieved to escape the tension in the room, but as he turned to follow his mother, Kenny grabbed his arm. The grip wasn't harsh, but firm enough to make Levi pause, startled.
"You have to stop being a baby," Kenny said, his voice now directed solely at the boy. "Your mommy won't always be here to protect you. One day, she'll go away, and you'll be all alone. You think she's having a hard time now? It's because she has to take care of you."
Levi's eyes widened, confusion and fear creeping in. His small body tensed, trying to pull away. "But... what do you mean?" he whispered, his mind racing with questions, fear bubbling in his chest.
Before Kenny could say more, Kuchel's voice cut through the moment like a knife. "Kenny, leave him alone!" Her words were sharp and unyielding, her arms scooping Levi out of Kenny's grip.
Kuchel led Levi to his room, her hand gently guiding him. He glanced back at his uncle, who stood there, unmoving, watching them with an unreadable expression. His mother's voice brought his attention back, her usual calmness returning as they reached the bed.
Kuchel sat down beside Levi, pulling out his favorite book. It was about a brave cat who lived in a world of adventure, his mother had once told him. Hans, the cat, was fearless, smart, and always knew how to make things better. Levi loved that story.
But tonight, he couldn't focus. As his mother read aloud, her soft voice soothing, his mind wandered back to what his uncle had said. Was he really the reason his mommy was having a hard time? They weren't rich, Levi knew that. But what if... what if it was because he was being a baby? What if he couldn't help her enough because he was too small, too weak?
His chest tightened with guilt. He had to stop being a baby, for her sake.
By the time Kuchel finished the story, tucking him in and kissing his forehead, Levi had made up his mind. This would be the last time his mommy tucked him in. The last time she'd have to read him stories to help him sleep. He had to be strong, for her.
As her lips brushed his forehead, he whispered to himself, I'll be a big, strong boy, mommy. I'll protect you, not the other way around.
Kuchel smiled at him, her eyes tired but full of love, unaware of the resolve growing in her son's heart. She smoothed back his hair and whispered, "Goodnight, my baby."
Levi clutched his stuffed cat one last time, staring at the ceiling after his mother left. He wasn't sure how he'd do it, but he knew one thing: he couldn't let his mother down. Not anymore.
