Morning light filtered through the windows. Soft. Hopeful. Deceiving.

Emma woke the kids early. Unusual. Urgent. Important.

They gathered in the living room. Sleepy. Confused. Curious.

"What's going on?" Liam asked. Rubbing his eyes. Still half asleep.

"We're taking a trip." Emma said. Trying to sound excited. Trying to sound normal. Trying to hide the fear underneath.

"A trip?" Sophia perked up. ...