Linda jolts awake, her pink pajamas dotted with black polka dots a stark contrast to the chaos around her. Curlers threaten to tumble from her hair as she fumbles for her phone, listening with dread to the stern voice of the school secretary. Baby Suzy, wrapped in a soft yellow blanket, squirms in her crib, while the unfinished omelet on the nightstand grows cold. "We're late!" she yells, bursting into Robin's room, her voice trembling with both urgency and fatigue.
David sits at the table, stifling a groan as Linda hustles the family out the door, baby Suzy in one arm, her unfinished breakfast in the other. Robin, already dressed in a school uniform that pinches at the waist, moves sluggishly, eyes heavy with worry. "Can we just have one morning without shouting?" he mutters under his breath, sipping lukewarm coffee. Outside, the hum of traffic is muffled by the car’s thin doors as the family piles in, each carrying a pocket of unspoken frustration.
Suzy[/@ch_2].]
David clutches a paper cup of coffee, knuckles white on the steering wheel, while Linda applies lip gloss with a trembling hand, her reflection fractured in the side mirror. Robin sits in the back, arms crossed, gazing out the window, his seatbelt a reluctant embrace. Suzy's laughter rings out, a small, hopeful melody in a car otherwise burdened by anxiety. "Robin, you’re the smartest and brightest in this school. Don’t be afraid. Don’t let those rowdy kids see your weakness—show them your strength." she says gently, twisting around to face her son.
Robin hesitates, eyes wide with worry as Linda kneels beside him, Suzy gurgling in her arms. He places a hand on his stomach, voice barely above a whisper. "But they’ll laugh at me… even my uniform’s too tight." Linda smiles, her tone turning warm and reassuring. "You’re growing, sweetheart. One day, you’ll be tall, lean, and strong. This is just a phase. For now, focus on your studies. And the other kids? They’ll learn who Linda is!" Tears shimmer in Robin's eyes as he hugs her tight, whispering his gratitude.
Savilla, the principal—elegant in a red skirt and black blouse—greets Linda as she enters, Suzy on her hip. Already present are Noah’s mom, Michael’s dad, and Ruby’s grandmother, their faces creased with concern. "We’ve reviewed the security footage. Robin was cornered and hurt by classmates. We need to address this together." "My son deserves an apology. He was deeply hurt." The other parents express regret, their voices tinged with surprise and shame. "I believe all the children should speak with our school psychologist, to help them grow from this," Savilla suggests, her tone gentle but firm.
Robin[/@ch_3], gazing up at the sky, lost in thought.]
Linda approaches, Suzy babbling joyfully in her arms. "Why are you standing here all by yourself?" she asks softly. "The kids who teased me… they apologized. Every single one. They said they saw the video, and they felt bad." Linda glows with pride as she rests her hand on his shoulder. "See? When we speak our truth, we can change a lot of things." "I don’t just feel strong… I feel heard." "You deserve to be heard, Robin." As the sun rises higher, their laughter joins Suzy's, hope blooming quietly between them.