***Breaking Point***

Morning came too soon. Too harsh. Too real.

Emma stood in the kitchen. Eyes swollen from crying all night. Hands shaking as she made breakfast. Pancakes. Eggs. Orange juice. Normal food for an abnormal family.

Sophia came down first. Quiet. Always quiet. She looked at Emma's face and knew. Something bad had happened. Again.

"Morning sweetheart," Emma said. Voice hoarse.

Sophia just nodded. Sat at the table. Didn't ask questions. Had learned ...