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The sun was shining, the bees were buzzing, the flowers were flowering, pitchforks and torches were on sale, and "witches" were being brutally burned at the stake.
It was just another mundane morning in the town of Gravesfield.
Inside the Wittebane household, a sleepy Caleb yawned into his right hand as he trudged tiredly to the kitchen.
It was quite evident from the bags under his eyes that he didn't obtain enough sleep last night.
Rather than rest, the blonde began to endlessly stress about the letter while in bed.
He knew the negative talks of his brother were false and far from true, but… what if they had some truth to them?
Even worse, what if they came to be true someday?
Caleb wanted to believe that Philip would always remain kind and sweet forever, but… what if he didn't?
Would it be all his fault?
The thought bothered him to no end.
He had to get it off his mind.
Perhaps preparing something to eat might do just that.
Stretching his arms, Caleb enters the kitchen and quickly freezes.
That dead thing from yesterday was still on the kitchen table, its dead eyes staring directly at him as they practically penetrated his soul.
A staring contest commenced between the two as Caleb remained frozen, his brown eyes locked on the furry creature.
All of the dead animals that Philip brought home with him from the woods freaked the elder out, but this one?
It took the cake for being the most bone-chilling.
Caleb couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the animal was... not good.
He felt like it possessed an evil, unholy aura.
He needed to depose of it quickly before–
"KITTY!" Philip excitedly rushed past Caleb and over to the table, where he grabbed Kitty and quickly wrapped his pet into a hug.
He loved Kitty with all his heart, and the precious bond they held could never be broken.
They stuck to each other like glue.
The cuteness coming from his baby brother caused Caleb to let out a sigh.
'Too late,' he thought to himself.
...
Later, the living room clock stuck four as afternoon tea began.
Philip and Caleb were both at the table as Kitty sat in the lap of the smaller Wittebane.
As his little feet bounced idly, Philip couldn't suppress his smile.
His first ever friend was having his first ever tea with him.
The moment excited Philip greatly.
In the center of the table was a wooden teapot along with a small tray that contained a small crumpet and a small English muffin.
Both breads were coated with homemade butter.
Placing the crumpet on Philip's plate, Caleb proceeds to put the English muffin on his own plate.
When Philip picks up his tea cup, he starts eagerly shaking it sideways.
He wanted tea, and lots of it.
The brunette hoped to have his cup filled to the brim.
Caleb sees this and chuckles, taking the teapot handle.
"Hold it still, Pip," he instructs with a sunny smile as Philip does so, and Caleb begins to pour.
Content with the amount of tea in his cup, Philip blows on it for a bit and takes a small sip.
"…," spoke Kitty.
"Huh?"
Setting his cup down, Philip picks up Kitty and holds him up to his ear.
He had communicated something, but Philip didn't quite hear it.
"What was that, Kitty?" he asked.
"…," repeated Kitty once more.
Philip shifts his gaze to his older brother, who is getting ready to pour himself a cup of tea.
"Caleb, wait!"
The elder pauses and looks to Philip, setting the teapot down.
"Kitty says that he wants to pour you a cup of tea!" Philip informs in a happy tone, pointing to his pet.
"Isn't that nice of him?"
Looking at Kitty, Caleb saw his unwelcome gaze on him.
He then looks back at Philip and shines him a nervous smile.
"V-Very nice," Caleb agrees with a stutter. "Kitty is such a caring... creature."
Clearing his throat to alleviate his anxiety, he continues.
"But Pip, I think I'm capable of pouring my own cup."
Upon hearing this, Philip forms a pouty frown on his face.
"Aww, come on, Caleb," he whines. "Let Kitty pour you a cup just this once."
Holding a hand near the corner of his mouth, Philip whispers, "You’re making him feel bad."
"But Philip–"
The brunette proceeds to pull out his biggest set of puppy dog eyes, his big blue orbs sparkling with adorableness in hopes of gaining some sympathy from his brother.
Caleb breathes out a defeated sigh. "Okay, fine," he groans in agreement, giving into the minor manipulation.
Philip smiles brightly at his brother's okay as he brings Kitty over to the teapot.
He then lays his body on the handle.
"…," whispered Kitty.
"It's okay, take your time, Kitty. There's no rush," Philip would kindly reassure in a tender tone.
But, ultimately, Kitty falls flat on the table and accidentally tips the pot of tea down, sending the scorching liquid from the spout spilling onto Caleb's lap.
Ouch.
Judging from the contorted expression on Caleb's face, the tea hits the one spot every guy his age wants to shield from trauma.
Philip could clearly see the painful state his sibling was in as he winced.
"Uh-oh…," whispered Philip.
He gives his brother's sleeve a small tug. "Caleb, are you alright?" he asked in a small voice.
A wheezy chuckle came from the blonde as he spoke.
"Me? I'm fine! No, really, I am. I just… need to... go change."
Caleb rises from his seat.
"Excuse me, Philip."
Watching his brother stagger off, Philip looks to Kitty.
"…," states Kitty.
Philip nods his head in agreement with the statement.
"Yeah, I don't think he's okay either..."