Fiona's POV

When Kayla dropped me off, I walked into our home and smelled something delicious cooking in the kitchen. The warm smell felt comforting, like a soft blanket.

"Welcome home, sweetheart!" my parents said together, their voices blending with the yummy scent.

I went to the kitchen, where Mum and Dad were busy cooking.

"How was your study session?" Dad asked with a smile.

"It went well. Thanks for asking," I replied, giving him a thumbs up.

Mum looked a bit concerned. "Sweetie, are you still upset with us?"

I took a moment to think about how I felt. "No, I'm not," I told her, forcing a smile even though I was feeling tired. "I'm just tired."

I then excused myself and went to my room, quietly closing the door behind me to find a moment of quiet after a busy day.

I was finally making headway in my goal of befriending Kayla. It was heartwarming to feel the warmth of friendship beginning to bloom.

As I savoured that thought, I couldn't help but wonder how Sam's bold proposal to her crush had gone. I truly hoped her heart hadn't taken a nosedive. I made a mental note to check in with her and Taylor after dinner to get the scoop. Rushing through my bath, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. Just as I finished getting dressed, Mum's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Fiona, dinner's ready!" she called, a hint of eagerness in her tone.

"Thanks! I'll be down in a second," I replied, hoping to shake off the weight of the day.

Descending the stairs, I was greeted by the comforting sight of Mum and Dad seated at the dining table, eagerly awaiting my arrival. A scrumptious feast of fish and chips lay before us, golden and inviting.

We settled into our meal, but an awkward tension filled the air, thicker than the aroma of the food.

"Fiona, are you still mad at us?" Dad ventured, his tone cautious.

I sighed, grappling with the truth. "I'm not upset with you two. It's just been a long, draining day. I know you don't want to argue in front of me, so it's really okay," I said, forcing a semblance of honesty into my words.

"Are you certain?" Mum pressed, concern etched on her face.

"Yes, I promise! I'm just exhausted from school and...everything," I replied, my voice rising unexpectedly.

Inside, frustration bubbled- frustration not only at their constant bickering but at every little thing that seemed to weigh me down. The mask I wore during the day was becoming harder to maintain, and tonight, all I wanted was to unleash the emotions I'd been bottling up.

As tears pricked at my eyes, I felt a wave of vulnerability wash over me. In a burst of impulse, I turned and fled, the echoes of Mum and Dad's concerned voices trailing behind me as I sought refuge from the chaos.
Sunlight poured through the curtains, warming my skin and waking me from a restless sleep. I blinked at the clock-7 AM already? Panic hit me, and I rushed to the bathroom, my heart racing as I got ready for the day.

Facing Mum and Dad's constant fighting felt impossible. I wished I could pause their arguments until I made it downstairs. All I needed was a little peace this morning.

My stomach growled as I put on my makeup, reminding me of the dinner I skipped last night. I should have eaten, but the weight of everything made me lose my appetite.

After I finished getting ready, I packed my bag with the medications and supplies I needed for school. The hospital walls had shaped my life for so long; being able to go to class was a huge achievement. My closest friends, Sam and Taylor, had always supported me since we lived nearby.

In the last two years, I have made enough progress to attend school "normally." I still missed some classes here and there, but I cherished every moment I could be there, hoping I could keep returning whenever I felt "better."

But what did "better" really mean?

Mum often reminded me to count even the smallest blessings. Maybe I was doing better? It felt fragile, like a flickering candle, but it had given me precious time with my loved ones.

This is why their constant fighting hurt so much. I wanted to enjoy our time together and create memories instead of dodging conflicts, all while knowing I was a ticking time bomb.

I took one last look in the mirror-my white tee, blue jeans, and peach sneakers looked cheerful. Gathering my courage, I walked down the stairs, welcomed by the smell of breakfast.

"Good morning, Mum!" I called out as I entered the kitchen.

"Good morning, dear. How was your night?" she asked, her voice warm and comforting.

"It was okay. How about you?" I replied, trying to keep things light.

"Good! Come on, breakfast is ready," she said with a smile.

I sat at the dining table as she served me a hearty meal. "Thanks, Mum. Where's Dad?" I asked, hoping for the best.

"He went out to get some materials," she explained, and I nodded, focusing on the food in front of me.

After breakfast, Mum and I stepped into the day, a mix of hope and uncertainty in my heart.

“Hey, Kayla!” I called out as I jogged to catch up with her.

For the first time, she was all alone—no Luca, no Lila by her side.

“Hey,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

“Where are Luca and Lila? Aren't they supposed to be in school?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“They’re both out sick with a cold,” she said quietly, and I could sense the weight of that absence hanging in the air.

“Oh no, that’s rough! I hope they’re resting up and feeling better soon,” I said, my concern sincere.

“Yeah, same. Thanks for caring,” she smiled, and it made my heart lift a little.

“No problem! Now, let’s get to class. And hey, TGIF!” I exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

“Absolutely! This week has been a lot to handle. I’m really glad it’s finally over,” she replied a hint of relief in her voice.

“Totally relatable. Let’s make the most of the weekend!” I suggested as we made our way to class.

As the day went on, we finally reached lunchtime. Kayla had prepared a delicious quiche for herself and generously shared some with me. We enjoyed our meal in a comfortable silence, the kind that felt easy and natural.

“Hey, how about we start reading together? You could come over to my place?” I proposed, hoping she’d be up for it.

“Um, yeah! Does tomorrow at noon work for you?” she asked, clearly considering it.

“Perfect! I’m so excited!” I couldn’t help but squeal, my enthusiasm bubbling over.

She laughed softly, but I could tell she was still feeling the gap from her friends’ absence. Getting closer would take some time, but I was totally up for it.

“So, after the library tomorrow, let’s swing by my favourite ice cream shop! What do you think?” I suggested, picturing the sweet treat.

“I’m all in! I love ice cream!” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

“Me too! It’s just that I don’t indulge as often as I’d like,” I admitted, a hint of sadness tainting my voice.

I braced myself for her response. I thought she’d ask why, but she remained silent, and I realized I wasn’t ready to share just yet either.