16-year-old David was on the ratty, green couch in the Garcia living room. Even though the TV's volume was mile high, David flipped vigorously through the channels, wanting something to distract himself from the thunderstorm that was pissing heavily and coughing loudly over his neighborhood that night. When David could not find anything good, he frustratedly chucked the remote at the wall and fell back onto the couch, covering his face.
3-year-old Javier padded down the floors rapidly, dressed in a soft blue onesie, holding Mr. Quacker in his fist, the stuffed duck flailing uncontrollably behind him. Tears kinged Javier's face as he ran up to David.
"Daviiid!" Javier called out, flopping his arms up and down.
"What? What? What's wrong, Javi?" David asked concernedly, sitting straight on the couch.
"Too loud! Storm scary!" Javier covered his ears, Mr. Quacker dangling loosely from his hand.
David huffed exasperatedly; with a grunt, he lifted Javier onto his lap, holding him tightly against his chest. Javier cried loudly, David rubbing and patting his back the same way their mother did whenever Javier was upset. David scooted his backside across the couch, grabbing the crocheted afghan their mother made several years ago; David placed it over Javier's body and David's torso, creating a soft cocoon that guarded Javier from the storm's wrath. David placed his back against the couch's right armrest, humming vigorously, patting Javier's back softly through the blanket. A few minutes passed, and Javier was sleeping soundly against David's chest, his left fist lightly gripping David's shirt.
David looked down at Javier's now serene form, breathing caringly and lovingly, "Alright, little man–time for bed."
David stood up, carrying his sleeping younger brother to the safety of their room. David gently placed Javier on the dark blue bedclothes as Javier snorted peacefully with Mr. Quacker in his arms. David sighed contently, pulling the sheet over his brother's body. David gently stroked Javier's head before patting his head.
"Goodnight, Javi." David breathed, before going to his bed.