"Cala."
I didn't open my eyes.
"Cala."
That wasn't Liam's voice.
I blinked toward the doorway.
Dad.
He looked like he hadn't slept.
"Guess what I got?" he said, stepping into the room.
I pushed myself up. "What?"
He held something behind his back for a second, like he was about to make it dramatic.
Then he brought it forward.
White chocolate.
My favorite.
I smiled before I could stop myself. "Thank you, Dad."
"You're welcome," he said simply. "Okay. Get up. Time to get ready."
No hug. No long speech.
Just that.
He turned and walked out like he hadn't been gone at all.
I let that be normal.
—
I got ready faster than usual.
Not rushed. Just awake.
The house was quiet for that early.
Liam knocked once before walking past my door.
"Five minutes."
"I'm coming."
In the kitchen, Dad leaned against the counter, sipping tea.
Erin moved around him quietly.
I grabbed something small to eat and slipped the chocolate into my bag.
Dad glanced at me. "Big day?"
"Rehearsal."
He nodded like that explained everything. "Have a good one."
"I will."
Liam jingled the car keys.
We left.
—
The ride was quiet.
Music low. Windows cracked.
I checked my phone.
Dylan:
Cala.
Then another.
Dylan:
I can't find you.
I looked up instinctively, even though I wasn't near school yet.
Me:
You will.
He responded almost immediately.
Dylan:
I'm looking.
I didn't answer.
I liked that he was looking.
Liam pulled into the school entrance.
"You good?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"Alright."
I stepped out.
As I walked toward the building, my phone buzzed again.
Dylan:
Where are you?
This time I smiled.
I was almost there.