"Chris, it's getting late. Wake up—we have to go."
Bella called out from the kitchen as she packed two lunch boxes—one for her, one for her brother. The tiny apartment smelled of simple food and quiet determination.
She wiped her hands and walked to his room, already expecting to drag him out of bed.
But Chris was ready. Bag packed. Shoes on.
He looked up and smirked. "I always get ready on time."
Bella rolled her eyes, but a smile slipped through. "Yeah? Then come on. Let's go fight the world."
He grinned. "As always."
They stepped out together—not just to college, not just to work, but to another day of proving they could survive on their own.
They had done it all their lives—fighting hunger, chasing education, refusing to give up.
And today would be no different.
At the bus stop, they found Amy waiting, waving like she owned the morning.
"Good morning, my favorite siblings," she said dramatically. "Why so early? Planning to conquer the world without me?"
Chris shrugged. "We thought we'd give you a break today."
Bella laughed. "Ignore him. We're just trying to survive another day."
Amy bumped her shoulder playfully. "With me around, you'll do more than survive."
"Yeah," Chris added. "You'll talk us to death first."
The three of them burst into laughter as the bus pulled in.
Another ordinary day.
Or so Bella thought.