Lisa drove slowly as she approached the school, glancing in the rearview mirror at Mike, who was staring out the window. The silence between them was heavy, filled with the weight of everything they had been through. The town, with its unfamiliar streets and strange faces, still felt foreign to Lisa.

She hoped the fresh start would help them heal, but she worried about Mike. Ever since his father’s death, he had seemed quieter and more withdrawn. Would he be able to make new friends? Would he feel comfortable in this new place?

As Mike hopped out of the car, she called, “Have a good day, sweetie! Be brave!”