Chapter 20 Mia

• "Alright, my baby. Be careful, okay?" My mother’s voice trembled as tears brimmed in her eyes. We stood at the gates of WW Academy. My parents had come to see me off—my entire family, even Kayla, who had skipped her classes just to be here.
• "Yes, Mom," I said with a smile, trying to reassure her.
• I hugged them tightly, but my eyes flicked to my father as I pulled away. His posture was rigid, his expression unreadable. He was still upset. Last night’s argument echoed in my mind—the tension, the raised voices. After Mrs. Harrisburg had announced the academy was opening early, my parents had been adamant that I shouldn’t attend. But I couldn’t—wouldn’t—let them stop me.