Author's note: since some of you are hating on the poor 2 year old HERE YOU GO haha :P
The next day, Madison was lounging on the couch in the living room, her injured ankle propped up on a cushion. She was idly scrolling through her phone, trying to stave off the boredom that came with enforced rest. The quiet of the house was a stark contrast to the usual bustle, offering her a moment of solitude.
Suddenly, the peace was shattered by the sound of wailing. Madison looked up to see her little sister Olivia, tears streaming down her face, running towards her. Olivia, at the peak of her terrible twos, was a whirlwind of emotions, and today seemed no different.
"Maddy!" Olivia sobbed, her tiny fists rubbing her eyes as she stumbled over to where Madison was sitting.
"Hey, hey, Livy, what's wrong?" Madison's tone was surprisingly soft, a maternal instinct kicking in despite their usual sibling distance.
Olivia, still crying, managed to gasp out, "Mommy yelled!"
Madison's heart sank a little. She knew how overwhelming Olivia could be, especially in her current phase, and she also knew how high-strung everyone had been lately. She remembered how she felt when her own biological mom would yell sometimes when she was stressed.
"Come here, little bug," she said, opening her arms.
Olivia clambered up onto the couch and into Madison's lap, her sobs starting to get more infrequent as she nestled into her sister's embrace.
"Mommy didn't mean to yell, Livy," Madison soothed, gently stroking Olivia's hair. "You know she loves you a lot, right?"
Olivia nodded, her sobs turning into sniffles. "Love mommy," she mumbled.
Just then, Taylor walked into the living room, her expression a mix of frustration and concern.
Seeing Olivia in Madison's arms, her face softened. "Oh, Livy, I'm so sorry I raised my voice," Taylor said, approaching them. "Mommy was just a little stressed, and you were not listening, honey."
Olivia, still clinging to Madison, peeked at her mother. Madison intervened. "We're just having some sister time, right, Liv?"
Olivia nodded again, a small smile breaking through her tears.
Taylor looked at Madison, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Mads. I didn't mean to... I just..."
Madison cut her off with an understanding nod. "It's okay, mom. We all have those days. I've got her."
Taylor sat down on the coffee table in front of them, her eyes lingering on the scene. It was rare to see Madison taking on such a nurturing role with Olivia. "You're good with her," she said softly.
Madison shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued to comfort Olivia. "Maybe I'm learning a thing or two about being a big sister."
Olivia, now calmer, looked up at Madison with her big eyes. "Maddy funny," she declared, earning a chuckle from both Madison and Taylor.
"Yeah, she is," Taylor agreed, reaching out to gently touch Olivia's cheek. "And she's a great big sister too."
Taylor stood up, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Hold on, there's something you need to see," she said, quickly heading to the kitchen. Madison watched, curious, still cradling Olivia in her arms.
When Taylor returned, she held a piece of paper in her hands. Madison's eyes widened as she took in the drawing. It was a child's artwork, bold and colorful, but what it depicted took her breath away. There she was, drawn in crayon, but not just as herself - as a superhero, complete with a cape and a bright emblem on the chest.
"It's... me?" Madison's voice was a mix of surprise and disbelief.
Taylor nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Olivia drew it for you. I asked her to make something to cheer you up, and this is what she came up with. You, as her superhero."
Olivia, looking between the drawing and Madison, beamed. "Maddy strong! Maddy fly!" she exclaimed, her little hands reaching out to the picture.
Madison's heart felt like it was swelling in her chest. She looked at the drawing again. It was more than just a drawing; it was a window into how Olivia saw her. Not as a rival for attention or an overlooked sister but as a figure of strength and awe.
"She sees you as her hero, Maddie," Taylor said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "Despite everything you may think, she looks up to you. She loves you."
Madison felt a lump form in her throat. All this time, she had been so caught up in her own feelings of resentment and displacement that she hadn't fully considered Olivia's perspective. The drawing was a revelation, a clear, innocent declaration of love and admiration from her little sister.
"I... I had no idea," Madison managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked down at Olivia, who was still excitedly pointing at the drawing.
"Hero Maddy!" Olivia repeated, her joy infectious.
Madison couldn't help but smile, a real, heartfelt smile, as she pulled Olivia closer. "Thank you, Livy," she said, her eyes meeting Taylor's. "And thank you, mom. This... this means a lot."
Taylor moved closer, placing a hand on Madison's shoulder. "You mean a lot to us, Maddie. To all of us. We might not always show it the way we should, but you are just as important and loved as Olivia. Not just to Travis and I, but to her as well."
Holding the drawing up, Madison looked at the superhero version of herself. She realized that maybe, just maybe, she could start seeing herself the way Olivia did – not as an outcast but as someone strong, capable, and, above all, loved.