It had been his blanket. Mom had made it before he had been born, and Scott had used it right up until John had been born when he was 18 months and was still carrying it around with him when Virgil was born, clutching it like a lifeline.
John had his own blanket knitted while Mom carried him – not that Scott remembered that – but Virgil had been a surprise pregnancy, and Mom hadn't had time to knit one while caring for a baby.
When Mom had gone into labour the nearly two-and-a-half-year-old had not understood what was going on. Grandma and Grandpa had come to stay while Dad took a crying Mom to the hospital.
It had been explained to Scott that he was going to get another brother like John. He kinda understood, had been excited even, but as Virgil's due date came and went with no sign of another baby, Scott had almost lost interest. Johnny was far more fascinating, especially since he had begun to crawl and walk.
But the screaming scared him and made Johnny cry, and he had hidden himself in the bed with John and covered them both with his blanket to keep them safe.
Grandma had come and helped them out after his parents had gone, and there had been ice cream for Scott for being a good big brother and looking after Johnny.
He wasn't sure how much time passed, but he had slept, curled up with his blanket while waiting for his Mom and Dad to bring Virgil home. Grandma said they would.
It had been a tiring and long labour, and both Jeff and Lucy had decided not to being Scott and John over that evening. Lucy was exhausted and having two tired children running around was something she wasn't sure she could cope with. Grant and Ruth had said the boys were fine, and they would bring them over in the morning.
Getting to ride in Grandpa's truck was great fun, and Scott babbled away to John about what he could see from the window. Ruth smiled fondly at her eldest grandson, no idea at all about what he was talking about. John was oblivious, already asleep again under his blanket.
Jeff met them in the carpark, sweeping Scott into his arms, blanket and all, as his eldest kept asking about 'Mom and Virgie?' He didn't even try to keep the smile off his face as he led them all to Lucy's room.
Virgil was in the cot when they entered, and Scott wasted no time demanding to see his new brother while John had eyes only for his Mom. Ruth placed John on the bed while Jeff held Scott over the cot. Blue eyes met blue eyes, and for a moment Scott was speechless.
He dropped the blanket into the cot, concentrating on his new brother so much that Scott hadn't kept hold. And as Jeff reached him down to pick it up again, a tiny fist caught up in the fabric.
Scott dared not breathe. His brother was holding his blanket. As Jeff leaned over with him so that Scott could pick it up, that tiny fist stopped him.
'Hi Virgie, I'm Scott. I'm your big brother.'
In response Virgil kicked his legs slightly and continued to stare at him.
'You can have my blanket. It will keep you safe.' Jeff, listening intently to the quiet one-sided conversation, lent Scott that little bit closer, and his eldest kissed the baby's head.
'That was very kind of you, Scott. Virgil will love your blanket.'
And so Scott's comfort blanket moved to Virgil. His brother was always carrying it around, just as Scott had. They used it to keep warm, they used it to hide under, they used it when one of them was sick, Virgil more than willing to share Blankie with his oldest brother.