By the time I got home, Mom and Dawson were already asleep. I tip-toed to Dawson's room, planted a soft kiss on his head, and dragged myself to my room, so tired. I fell onto the bed not even bothering to wash off. I was out within seconds.

The following morning, my mom had to wake me up. “Sophie, you are about to be late for work,” she said, lazily nudging me.

I jolted awake. "It's time?" Searching for my mobile phone, I sprang from the bed and ran to the bathroom as if my life was hanging on it.

"Be careful, don't slip!" Mom called after me. "I'll get...