Cousin Rivalry

    By Cheryl Davila

    Cousin Rivalry cover image

    25 Apr, 2024

    a group of elderly people sitting on couches in a living room with a cat on the coffee table, sots art, a storybook illustration, Ada Gladys Killins, promotional image

    Grandma looked over the room filled with her offspring. The upcoming arrival of a new family member had brought everyone together, creating an atmosphere of joy and anticipation.

    a family sitting on a couch in a living room together eating cookies and reading a book together, with a dog sitting on the couch, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Billy, the eldest amongst the cousins, was convincing his younger cousins that the new baby would surely be a boy. His confident assertion, coupled with his animated hand gestures, had the younger boys completely swayed.

    a group of children standing around a table with a book on it and a woman standing in front of them, process art, a storybook illustration, artist, comic cover art

    Lucy, the oldest amongst the girls, was trying to convince her group that the new baby would be a girl. She reasoned that the family needed more girls to balance the equation. Her pleas were met with enthusiastic nods from the girls.

    a painting of a family posing for a picture together with a teddy bear and a teddy bear sitting on a table, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Caroline Lucy Scott, highly detailed digital painting

    Grandma watched the friendly rivalry unfold with amusement. Billy and Lucy were fiercely advocating for their sides, while the younger cousins listened wide-eyed, absorbing their passion.

    a woman sitting at a table with a tablet computer in her hand and a cup of coffee in front of her, computer art, computer graphics, Ada Gladys Killins, professional digital painting

    Grandma answered the phone, her face unreadable. The room fell silent as everyone awaited the news. With a twinkle in her eye, she announced, 'It's a girl!'

    a couple of kids standing in a living room next to a tv set and a teddy bear on the floor, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, official art

    Lucy jumped with joy, while Billy tried to hide his disappointment. The girls had won this round, and the room filled with excited chatter and laughter once again.

    a painting of an elderly woman and a child sitting on a couch with a stuffed animal in their lap, photorealism, a hyperrealistic painting, Chris LaBrooy, hyper real

    Grandma smiled as she watched the grown-up cousins. Their childhood rivalry had turned into a fond memory, a tale they would recount to the younger generation with twinkling eyes and hearty laughter.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in a living room with a teddy bear and a coffee table, sots art, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    Billy and Lucy, now adults, found themselves on the same side, teaching the younger cousins about the age-old tradition. The divide had faded, replaced by a bond that was stronger than ever.

    a painting of a family sitting on a couch together in a living room with a coffee table and a potted plant, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Grandma had watched their rivalry, their growth, and their unity. She knew that although the girls and boys had different perspectives, they all loved each other dearly, and that was what truly mattered.

    a couple of girls sitting next to each other on a couch in a living room with a painting of a boy and girl, hyperrealism, a comic book panel, Artgerm, comic cover art

    As they prepared for yet another family addition, Billy and Lucy found themselves reminiscing about their childhood. The gender of the new cousin didn't matter anymore, but the tradition held its charm.

    a painting of an older woman and a young girl sitting on a couch together, both wearing glasses and smiling, naive art, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, highly detailed digital painting

    Grandma watched as the cousins, now mentors, stood side by side, waiting for the news. Her heart swelled with pride and love. This was her family, her legacy, her joy.

    a painting of a family sitting on a couch together, all looking at a cell phone and smiling at the camera, serial art, a storybook illustration, F Scott Hess, official art

    The phone rang once again, bringing everyone to a standstill. Grandma answered with a knowing smile, and as she announced the gender of the new cousin, the room exploded with joy and laughter, just like always.

    Cousin Rivalry

    AI Children-stories Stories