That morning, the scent of fried eggs and toasted bread filled the small kitchen as sunlight streamed in through the window blinds.
The clatter of utensils and the occasional burst of laughter added warmth to the quiet home—something rare, considering how their lives had become recently.
Michael sat at the dining table, dressed, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of buttered bread. His presence was unusual—not because he was there, but because he wasn't rushing off anywhere.
Just… Michael. Calm. Present.
Aunt Mia eyed him over the rim of her cup, suspicion thinly veiled. "You're awfully relaxed today."
Across the table, Lily—his younger cousin—raised a brow, poking at her half-eaten fruit bowl. "Did you finally decide to take a vacation?"
Michael chuckled softly. "Maybe."
In truth, it wasn't that he had nothing to do. Today marked the start of the practical entrance exams at Bright College—the temporary academic institution Michael had registered with weeks ago.
