POV: Adriana
“Adriana, it's time to wake up!”
My mother’s voice called so loudly, I could have sworn I heard her in my dream.
“You’ve been in your room all morning, dear.”
I turned under the covers but didn’t sit up, my eyes blinking slowly as the morning light shone through the closed curtains. My room still smelled like pencil shavings — the scent of yesterday — but something in the air felt heavier. Final. I held the blanket tighter.
Please let all of it be a dream.
The door opened. I didn’t need to look up to know it was her. Her footsteps were soft, but sure.
“Good morning, Mom,” I greeted, my voice still rough with sleep.
She walked over to my bedside and gently brushed a strand of hair from my face.
“Good morning, baby.” Her eyes were kind, but tired. “I hope you had a peac
