［Intro — soft bossa nova, nylon guitar, brushed drums, warm Rhodes, close female vocal］ ［Verse 1 — soft conversational vocal, steady bossa groove］ This old sweater is thin at the elbows now. I press my face into the wool. And then— the kitchen. The fire. My sister laughing. Mom, you move my hair out of my face. And for a second, nothing is gone. ［Pre-Chorus — slightly more melodic, same volume］ Everything still knows me. Hey, Mom… just a little longer. Can I stay here? ［Chorus — warm bossa melody, no belting, no dramatic build］ No road. No house. Still— home. When I hide inside this sweater, I can still go back. Right here, winter never ended. Hey, Mom… can I stay here a little longer? ［Instrumental — short nylon guitar and Rhodes, bossa groove continues］ ［Verse 2 — soft close vocal, light breath, steady tempo］ Under my linen shirt, there’s still some winter left in me. This sweater knows. It never asks. It just holds me. I press my face into the wool again. Steam. Evening light. My sister laughing. I can’t remember the words. But I remember that laugh. ［Pre-Chorus 2 — very soft, almost spoken］ Mom… that’s enough for tonight. Just stay. A little longer. ［Chorus 2 — slightly fuller harmony, same volume］ No road. No house. Still— home. You’re there. She’s there. Winter at the window. That little house is still warm. And for a second, I still belong. ［Bridge — guitar and voice only, no build, very intimate］ Then I see the red thread around my wrist. That old knot. And I remember. So I lift my head. Outside it’s still cold. Mom… I’ll go in the morning. I promise. Just— not yet. ［Final Chorus — same volume, warmer harmony, no belting］ No road. No house. Still— home. I press my face into the wool. Right here, winter never ended. Hey, Mom… can I stay here with you a little longer? ［Outro — guitar and Rhodes only, almost whispered］ By morning, it’ll be dry again. Like nothing happened. Tonight, I’ll come back. Mom… just a little longer. ［End — quiet guitar decay］
