Morning came too fast. Too bright. Too normal.

Liam appeared at breakfast. Determined face. Prepared arguments.

"We need to go to school today." He said. Direct. No preamble.

Emma looked up from her coffee. "What? No. We're leaving tomorrow. You don't need to go."

"Yes we do." Sophia joined. Standing beside Liam. United front. "We need to say goodbye. To our friends. To our teachers. Get our leave letters. Do this ...