Morning Whispers

Chihiro pressed her nose against the cool kitchen window, watching raindrops race down the glass. Her school backpack sat forgotten by the door.

"The weather's terrible," her mother said, stirring her coffee. "Maybe we should all stay home today."

Father looked up from his phone. "Universal Orlando just opened that new DreamWorks Land area. The one with all the Shrek rides."

Chihiro's eyes widened. She had been begging to go for months.

"But it's a school day," Mother said quietly.

"One day won't hurt," Father replied, grinning. "When will we get another chance like this? No crowds because of the weather."

Chihiro bounced on her toes. "Please? Just this once?"

Her parents exchanged a look across the table.

The Great Escape

Mother set down her coffee cup with a clink. "Alright, but we need to be careful."

Father jumped up and grabbed his car keys. "I'll warm up the car!"

Chihiro raced upstairs and stuffed her school clothes into her backpack. She pulled on her favorite pink and green sweater instead.

"What if someone sees us?" Mother asked, checking her phone nervously.

"We'll say Chihiro was sick," Father called from the garage.

Just then, Chihiro's phone buzzed. A text from her friend Maya: "Where are you? Mrs. Peterson is taking attendance now!"

Chihiro's stomach flipped. She showed her parents the message.

"Turn off your phone," Mother said quickly. "We're already in too deep to stop now."