The young parents observed their eldest son going into his younger brothers room each morning at

“I think he believes it,” Dr. Moran said. “And that belief might be helping him cope with something he doesn’t have the words for. Don’t dismiss it—but don’t feed it either. Meet him in his world, then gently lead him back to yours.”

That night, the mother decided to take the doctor’s advice.

Before bedtime, she sat on the edge of her eldest son’s bed. “You’ve been doing such a good job protecting your brother,” she said. “But maybe you should rest, too. How about I keep watch tonight?”

He looked doubtful. “He listens to kids more than grownups.”

“Then maybe we can both keep watch,” she said, smiling. “Team effort.”

He considered it, then nodded. “Okay.”