The sky outside was a little gray that afternoon, and so was Toto’s mood.
Toto, the tiniest baby in the house, sat quietly in his blanket cocoon on the soft rug. His pacifier, usually his favorite comfort, lay untouched next to him. His big round eyes, full of expression, didn’t sparkle like usual. He didn’t coo, didn’t giggle, didn’t even wiggle his toes the way he always did when happy.
Mama noticed right away.
“Toto, my love,” she whispered, kneeling beside him, “what’s wrong?”
But Toto only blinked slowly, looking down at the pacifier like it had betrayed him. His little lip wobbled, but no tears came. Just a quiet, heavy sigh — the kind that seemed far too deep for someone so small.
Earlier that morning, Toto’s big brother, Rio, had left for preschool. It was the first day Toto hadn’t seen him since… well, since he’d been born.
Every day, Rio would talk to him, bring him toys, and make funny faces. Sometimes he’d even put the pacifier in Toto’s mouth with exaggerated care, saying, “There you go, my baby boss!”
But today, the house felt empty. No silly songs, no toy trucks zooming around, no “peekaboo” games. Just quiet.
Mama gently placed the pacifier in front of Toto again. “Don’t you want your binky?”
Toto looked at it. Then at Mama. Then back down.
He didn’t want it. What he really wanted was his big brother.
So he didn’t suck, didn’t smile. He just sat with the saddest little frown, like the world had gone slightly gray with the sky.
Mama picked him up, cradling him close. “Oh, sweetheart. You miss Rio, don’t you?”
Toto blinked again, and this time, one tiny tear rolled down his cheek. Mama kissed it away.
“We’ll see him soon. Just a little nap and a little wait,” she promised.
Time passed slowly. Toto dozed a little in Mama’s arms, but never deeply. He would wake up every few minutes and look around, hoping.
Then — footsteps. The door swung open.
“I’M BACK!” Rio shouted.
Toto’s head popped up.
And just like magic, his entire face changed.
He squealed, kicked his feet, and reached his arms out as if he’d been waiting a thousand years. Rio rushed over and hugged him, laughing.
“I missed you too, little man!”
Mama smiled as Toto beamed again, the pacifier now forgotten — because who needs a pacifier when your heart is full?
