I couldn't shake the anxious thoughts racing through my head as I hurried home from school. Every step felt urgent, like I was running out of time before something important slipped away from me.

Tonight. Finally tonight.

As soon as I reached Mama's apartment, I rushed to my small room and pulled out the old laptop from under my bed. Dust particles danced in the afternoon sunlight as I wiped down the screen and powered it up.

Please still work. Please.

The machine ...