The alarm buzzed at exactly 6:00 a.m., loud and annoying like it always was. Josh groaned and buried his face into the pillow, hoping he could squeeze in just five more minutes. But before he could drift back into his half-dream about flying skateboards and talking dogs, the door burst open.
"Josh! Get up! You're gonna be late!" Joy's voice pierced through the room like a fire drill. She stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, already dressed in her school uniform, her hair tied up neatly in a ponytail.
Josh groaned louder. "It's Monday. I should be allowed to skip Mondays."
"You said that last week," Joy said, rolling her eyes. "And the week before. And the week before that."
From the hallway, their older brother Jay chimed in. "Let him sleep. Maybe if he misses school, he'll finally appreciate it."
"Jay, don't encourage him!" their mom called from downstairs. "Josh, breakfast is ready!"
Josh sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. His black hair stuck out in weird directions, and one of his socks was halfway off. He sighed and got up. "Okay, okay, I'm awake."
Ten minutes later, he was downstairs at the kitchen table, scarfing down a plate of fried rice, eggs, and hotdogs. His dad sat by the window with a newspaper, glasses slipping down his nose. "You've got crumbs on your shirt," he said without looking up.
Josh looked down. Crumbs. Of course.
"Big week ahead," his mom said as she placed a glass of milk in front of him. "You've got that science project due on Wednesday. Did you finish it?"
Josh froze. "...Almost."
"Josh," she said warningly, but before she could launch into full Mom Mode, his phone buzzed. He grabbed it instantly.
Aki: Don't forget the umbrella. Forecast says rain at 3!
Josh smiled to himself and quickly texted back: Got it. You bringing snacks again?
Aki: Obviously. I'm not letting you starve during math.
He grinned. Aki always remembered the little things—like how he never packed an umbrella, or how he claimed to "forget" lunch so she'd share hers.
"Is that Aki?" Joy asked with a smirk. She leaned over his shoulder. "Tell your best friend I said hi."
Josh pushed her away with a laugh. "She's my best friend. Get your own."
Jay chuckled from the couch. "Your best friend, huh?"
Josh ignored them, but his cheeks burned slightly. He slung his bag over his shoulder and stuffed the umbrella into the side pocket. As he headed for the door, he turned back to shout, "Bye!"
"Don't forget to actually turn in your homework this time!" Mom called.
"Bring home leftovers!" Jay added.
"Don't embarrass yourself in front of Aki!" Joy yelled.
He rolled his eyes, shut the door behind him, and let out a breath.
It was just another normal day.
But somewhere deep down, Josh had a feeling that this school year… might be anything but normal.