On a dreaded Monday morning, I bade my parents farewell and climbed into Kate's car. As she drove us to school, her frequent glances in my direction made me uneasy. I opted to gaze out of the window and focus on the passing scenery.

Suddenly, Kate's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Do you want to skip school today?" she asked.

"No, Kate," I replied with a smile. "We should go to school. Education is important."

Kate grinned with a roll of her eyes, teasing, "Ok, grandma."

Then, her tone shifted, and she said, "Look, I know your family is going through some stuff right now."

I turned to my friend cautiously,...