The house no longer felt like home.

It felt like a countdown.

Every second ticking… louder… heavier… final.

Zoey moved quickly through the room, her hands trembling as she folded clothes into a small bag. Avila’s tiny dresses. Vivian’s favorite hoodie. A few essentials. Nothing more.

There wasn’t time for more.

There wasn’t time for anything.

“Zoey…”

She turned.

Vivian stood by the door, her eyes red, her hands clenched into fists.

“Are we really leaving?” she asked softly.

Zoey’s chest tightened painfully.

She forced a gentle smile. “It’s just for a while, okay? Somewhere safe.”

Vivian shook her head. “You’re lying.”

The words hit deep.

Zoey swallowed hard.

“I’m...