In the quiet of early morning, a mother stood frozen, her heart pounding as she watched her eldest son cradle his baby brother with fierce protectiveness. The boy whispered, “I have to protect him, Mom. They told me he might be taken away.” Shock washed over her as she asked who had said that, uncertain she wanted to know the answer.

The boy explained that shadowy figures in his dreams warned him the baby was in danger. His fear felt real and overwhelming, and tears filled his eyes as he confessed, “If I don’t watch over him, he’ll disappear.” Gently, the mother comforted him, reminding him that dreams can feel frightening but aren’t real. Still, she could see the deep worry in his young eyes and knew they needed to address it together.

When the father returned home, the family sat down to talk openly. They explained how dreams can create fear and reassured him that his brother was safe. To help him feel more secure, they involved him in caring for the baby and placed a soft nightlight in his room. These simple steps gave him comfort and restored a sense of control.

Over time, the morning visits stopped, replaced by laughter and play. The fear that once consumed him faded, leaving behind a stronger bond between the brothers. The parents learned something profound—that understanding a child’s fears with patience and love can transform anxiety into trust. Together, they found peace in compassion and family unity.