Chapter 35: Mock Exam

Noah plastered a smile on his face as he entered the kitchen, greeted by the sight of his little sister, Emily, already sitting at the table, her eyes wide with anticipation. The aroma of the breakfast filled the room, and he could tell from her eager expression that she was barely holding herself back.

"Good morning, big brother!" Emily chirped, hopping up to give him a quick hug before bouncing back to her seat, ready to devour whatever was about to be served.

Noah smiled lightly at her enthusiasm. His dad, David, chuckled at Emily's reaction. "Looks like someone's excited for breakfast," he said, his tone warm and teasing.

Caroline, his mom, turned from the stove with a gentle smile. "Morning, Noah. The food will be ready in a minute, go ahead and sit down."

Nodding, Noah took his seat at the table, trying to shake off the lingering weight of the previous night. But he couldn't quite hide the distant look in his eyes.