Bella moved quietly through the apartment, the morning light just beginning to filter through the curtains. She kept her movements deliberate, careful, as if being too loud might shatter the fragile calm she was trying to hold together. Timothy's small, sleepy eyes peeked at her from his corner of the couch as he clutched his favorite blanket.
"Timmy," Bella said softly, kneeling to smooth the blanket over his shoulders, "it's time to get ready for school."
Timothy yawned, rubbing his eyes. "Do I have to go already?"
"Yes, sweetheart," Bella said with a faint smile, brushing his hair back from his forehead. "Chloe will be ready with us in a few minutes. You have to look sharp for school today."
