"Mom… can I see you later tonight?" Lea whispered, her voice barely audible.
She stood just inside the doorway of her parents' room in the bunker, clutching the edge of her sleeve with trembling fingers. "I… I have something I need to talk to you about."
Marissa looked up instantly, her expression shifting from mild surprise to full concern in a heartbeat.
She set aside the clothes she had been folding and gave Lea her complete attention.
"Of course, Lea. You can come here anytime." She stepped closer, eyes trying to read her daughter's face. "Do you want to tell me what it's about?"
Lea hesitated, her lips parting and closing again before she managed to speak.
"Can you come to my room instead, Mom?" she asked softly. "Please? It's… it's really important to me."
That alone made Marissa's chest tighten. Lea rarely asked for privacy—almost never with that tone.
"Of course," Marissa said immediately, worry intensifying.
