Chapter 57

• The autumn afternoon was crisp and sunny, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Ivy had begged Maya for some time outside, and after finishing her homework, she’d been allowed to ride her bike around the neighborhood. Maya watched her from the window, smiling softly as she saw Ivy’s bright energy. It was moments like these that reminded her of how resilient her daughter was, despite the tension that had recently hung over their household.
• Ivy rode her bike a few blocks away to the park. She parked it near a bench and wandered over to the swings. Her feet scuffed against the ground as she swayed back and forth, her thoughts wandering. She loved her family, but lately, things felt... off. Her parents weren’t as happy as they used to be, and though they insisted everything was fine, she could feel the cracks beneath the surface.
• “Hello there,” a friendly voice called out.