Christopher avoided the living room the entire morning.
His mother sat there quietly, hands folded, like she didn't belong to the house--or to his life .
Zia's words from last night stayed with him : That's growth. Even if it hurts.
Before leaving for school, his mother finally spoke.
"I heard you're going on a study trip next week ."
Christopher froze.
" you still know things about my life ?" He asked, not turning around.
"I never stopped caring, " she said softly.
He laughed once - dry,controlled. "Caring isn't something you remember after years. "
But when he walked out ,his chest felt heavier than before .
The study trip announcement buzzed through school like electricity.
Three days .
Two nights .
No parents.
Jason stood near the notice board, Scanning names Christopher Hale.Zia Harrington.
Same bus .
His jaw tightened.
Later,he caught Sofee watching Zia laugh with her friends.
" you know something, " Jason said casually, joining her.
Sofee didn't look at him."I know something's wrong. "
Jason's lips curved slightly. "Wrong...or hidden?"
Their eyes met.
An unspoken alliance formed--built on suspicion, not trust.
Leo noticed Sofee following Christopher with her eyes again.
"She's going to hurt herself, "Evan muttered.
Leo shook his head."She already is."
Christopher, oblivious on the surface, stayed normal --laughing, joking, teasing Evan about packing snacks for the trip.
But Leo noticed how his smile faded the moment