"Claus? Wake up, Claus!"
Claus felt a gentle tapping on his shoulder. Opening his eyes groggily, he saw Lucas was there by the bed, already fully dressed.
"Lucas.. What time is it?"
"Seven-thirty."
Claus was surprised. Lucas wouldn't normally wake up this early. Then it him. Today was special.
He sat up and hugged his brother.
"Happy Birthday, bro!"
Lucas nuzzled Claus' shoulder.
"Happy Birthday, Claus."
After Claus got dressed, Lucas led him to a corner of the house. There were horizontal slashes labeled things like "Lucas - five" and "Claus - eight". It was where they recorded their height every birthday.
"You first!"
Claus stood with his back against the wall and Lucas put a line by the top of his head. He did the same for Lucas.
"I-I'm taller than you!" Lucas said, giggling. Claus was not amused.
"That's just because you sleep too much.." he pouted.
Something caught Claus' eye. Where the "ten" "eleven" and "twelve" marks were on Lucas' side, his was blank. Running his fingers through the untouched wood, he felt guilt and regret once again welling up inside him.
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt Lucas wrap his arms around him.
"Claus.." Lucas said softly. His brother turned around to face him, a sad smile on his face.
Lucas placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Feel better?"
"Y-Yeah.. Thanks."
They held hands.
"C'mon. I made you a special breakfast." Lucas said, chuckling. "Omelets!"
Claus smiled. He pulled his brother in for a proper kiss.
"Happy Birthday, bro."
"Happy Birthday, Claus."