108 - A Small Life

  From the moment little Mist emerged from the egg and nestled against Nexha, everything changed. The hatchling was a tiny ball of soft feathers, always seeking warmth and comfort. The instant it felt safe, it buried itself against Nexha’s neck and refused to leave.

  — He likes you. — Lilay observed, smiling as he watched the small gull snuggle into his brother.

  — Of course he does, I’m the first face he saw. — Nexha said, trying to hide how much the closeness made him feel giddy.

  But soon, they realized that raising a baby gull wasn’t as simple as they thought. After all, they barely slept that night because of it.

  The next morning, Mist woke up before the sun, chirping loudly and nonstop. Nexha, still drowsy, tried to ignore the noise, but Lilay wasn’t as patient.

  — He’s hungry, and I’m sleepy! — Lilay complained, covering his head with a piece of seaweed.

  — Then go get food! — Nexha retorted, hugging the chick as if that would calm it down.

  — You’re his dad! Make him stop! — Lilay whined.

  — I wish I knew how... There’s no off button.

  — We should’ve made fried seagull!

  — I already told you, we’re NOT frying her!

  After a quick and sleepy argument, they decided to feed Mist small pieces of fish they went out to fetch. The chick pecked eagerly, but his aim was terrible, often missing and hitting Nexha’s fingers instead.

  — Hey, easy! My fingers aren’t food! — Nexha protested, while Lilay burst out laughing.

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  — I think he inherited your patience, Nexha. — Lilay teased, watching the chick insistently pecking at his brother’s hand.

  — Look who’s talking! He definitely takes after you—an endless pit that’s never satisfied! We’ve given him twelve fish already! How has he not exploded?! — Nexha stared in disbelief at the chick, who only blinked innocently, already eyeing the next piece of fish.

  — She even makes the same face as you.

  — When have I ever made that face?! — Lilay asked, incredulous.

  — You make that face every time you look at a piece of fish.

  — No, I don’t!

  — Yes, you do!

  — LOOK! He ate another one! Are you sure it’s normal for this thing to eat so much? — Lilay shouted, trying to change the subject.

  — I have no idea… — Nexha sighed, watching Mist happily devour every fish the brothers gave him.

  — I’m gonna go get more fish...

  — No, you’re not! This little guy is going to explode if he eats any more... What a great uncle you are.

  — Hehe, you’re calling me uncle… That means you accepted being his dad.

  — I-I… You don’t know anything! — Nexha huffed, crossing his arms, but he didn’t deny it.

  And the day went on like that. The two were so entertained by Mist that they even avoided their chores just to stay with the hatchling. But suddenly, they felt a shadow loom over them. Before they could react, they were yanked up abruptly.

  — Do you think you can skip work? — Krahs’s stern voice made them freeze.

  He held them firmly by the arms, his expression impassive and as intimidating as a predator ready to devour its prey. The tense silence was only broken by Mist’s soft chirping, as if sensing the danger, before running to hide under its makeshift nest.

  — There’s plenty of work in the village! Move! — He ordered, dragging the two away mercilessly.

  The brothers exchanged resigned looks before temporarily saying goodbye to the tiny feathered ball, knowing that in their growing village, there was never a shortage of work.

  But that night, while the chick slept, the two sneaked out of the house just to watch him. Breathing softly, Nexha smiled. Lilay also seemed calm, looking at the little one with fondness.

  — He’s part of the family now, huh? — Lilay asked, his voice low and gentle.

  — I don’t know… I don’t think Dad will accept that his grandchild is a food-stealing glutton. — Nexha replied, gently stroking the chick’s soft feathers.

  — I already hold that title!

  — True, haha. But we’ll take care of her like one.

  And with that, the two fell asleep. Now, they weren’t just brothers—they were also the protectors of the small life that had chosen to stay with them.