"Mummy, tell us a tory." 3-year-old Boniface clambered on to his mother's knee.
His mother smiled. "Well now, have I told you about the merpeople and the sunken gondola?"
"Yes." Prosper scowled.
"Prop, don't spoil things, this is Bo's story. I'll tell you a new one later."
"I don't want a silly story."
"Dear me Prop, you are in a bad mood."
"Don't talk to me like that Mum, I'm not a baby."
"You're my baby Prop…" His mother began
"I'm 9, not three like Bo." Prosper turned around and looked out of the sitting room window.
Dear me, if you're going to behave like this now you're so grown up, then I think that I preferred it when you were a baby!" His mother and Boniface giggled.
Prosper gave an exasperated sigh.
"Honestly, if I became ill and you had to look after Bo, I hate to think what would happen to you both!" Their mother laughed.
"No Mummy, you're wrong, Prop would look after me cos he's my big bruver!" Boniface's little face beamed at Prosper.
Prosper's scowl vanished in an instant. He went over and joined in the cuddle.
"Of course I'd look after you Bo, I will never let you down, never."