When the road ahead is unclear, sometimes the detours reveal everything.

——

“Where are we headed now?” Mr. Mark asked, sliding into the driver’s seat and adjusting the rearview mirror with one hand. His voice was calm, but I caught the curiosity behind it. He glanced at me, waiting for an answer.

“Home,” I murmured, leaning my head against the cool glass of the window. “We’re headed home.”

He turned his head sharply, eyes narrowing just a bit. “Seriously?”

I let the silence stretch for two seconds before smirking. “No. I’m kidding.”

Mr. Mark sighed in exasperation, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of...