Somehow, the night passed, though it felt like an eternity to Jayden. The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the window, revealing a quiet house. Jayden’s mom emerged from her room, her hair loosely gathered in a bun, stifling a yawn as she shuffled toward the kitchen. She paused mid-step, startled to see Jayden already seated at the table. The aroma of fresh coffee and toast filled the air.

“You made breakfast?” she asked, surprise lighting up her tired ...