The morning sunlight slipped through the blinds, casting a soft glow across Emma's room. She lay stretched out on her bed, one arm dangling over the edge, her hair a tangled mess as she held onto the last bit of sleep.
But her peaceful morning didn't last… someone was knocking on her bedroom door, fast and relentless.
"Aunt Emma…?"
Emma's eyes barely cracked open.
Her frown was instant and fierce.
Like some kind of grinch.
"Who the hell…?"
She mumbled, but her words slurred off as she tried to bury herself further under the covers.
The knocking continued.
Each tap grated on her sleep-deprived nerves.
"Aunt Emma!"
It was her nephew, Marcus, who called from the hallway.
His voice was loud, yet cautious, as if he knew he was disturbing a bear from its hibernation.
"Y-, You said you'd take me to school today, remember? I'm already late!"
