Morning light slipped softly through the curtains of Athena's room, brushing her face in pale gold. She slept peacefully for the first time in days, her breathing slow and even, her head resting against the pillow like a child finally allowed to rest.
Beside her, Imelda sat quietly, afraid to move too much—as if the slightest disturbance might pull Athena back into nightmares. Her fingers moved slowly, soothingly, through Athena's hair, memorizing the feel of it as though afraid it could vanish.
Lucy peeked into the room.
"Ma'am, breakfast is ready."
Imelda nodded gently. "We're coming."
Lucy left without another word.
Athena stirred, lashes fluttering open. She yawned softly, disoriented for a moment—then her eyes focused on Imelda.
"Good morning, Grandma."
Imelda's chest tightened at the word.
"Good morning, my dear. How are you feeling?"
"Better," Athena replied honestly.
"Good." Imelda smiled. "Go brush your teeth. Breakfast is ready. You can freshen up afterward—there are clothes in the wardrobe."
"Okay, Grandma."
Athena stood, a little unsteady. Imelda helped her up instinctively, unwilling to let her walk alone just yet. Athena disappeared into the bathroom, and moments later, they descended the stairs together.
---
Williams Dining Room
The family sat around the long dining table, each person occupying their seat as if it had been assigned by invisible rules. The atmosphere was calm—but distant, careful. No one wanted to be the first to disturb the fragile peace.
Zach smiled at Athena.
"How are you feeling now?"
"Not bad," she replied quietly.
They ate mostly in silence. Cutlery clinked faintly, then slowly stopped as the maids began clearing the plates.
Scott cleared his throat.
"Now that you're part of the family," he said, measured and deliberate, "have you thought about your schooling?"
Athena shook her head. "Not really. But I'm not going back to my former school."
Imelda considered this. "How about attending the same school as Natalie?"
Natalie froze.
Her fork stopped midair. Her eyes widened before she could stop herself.
"Grandma!" she exclaimed.
Imelda turned to her, puzzled. "What's wrong, dear?"
"…Nothing," Natalie muttered, forcing herself to relax.
Before the tension could thicken further, Lucy entered the room holding a phone.
"Young mistress," she said politely, "I found this ringing on your bed."
"Thanks," Athena replied.
She took the phone, unlocked it, and dialed back.
"Hi, Madeline."
"Athena," Madeline's voice came through, heavy with emotion. "I heard what happened. I'm so sorry about your parents."
Athena swallowed. "I'm not coming back to Imperial College, Maddie."
"What?" Madeline protested. "Please don't!You can't survive anywhere without me. You're way too easy to bully—someone has to protect you! Or I'm coming with you!"
Athena rolled her eyes faintly. "Mother Hen."
"Then you're my chick."
A small, genuine smile tugged at Athena's lips—the first in a while.
"You're insane.What about your dad? Is he going to be in support of you changing schools for no reason?"
"A few tears will handle that."
Athena shrugged lightly. "No problem."
"Where are you? Let's meet."
"I'm living with the Williams now."
There was a pause—then excitement.
"I'll be there in thirty minutes."
Athena ended the call.
Natalie leaned forward slightly, curiosity sharp behind her polite tone.
"That was your friend?"
"Yes."
"Are you a student at Imperial College?"
"I was," Athena replied. "Not anymore."
Natalie glanced at Athena's phone. "That's the newest Samsung, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Who bought it for you?"
Athena's voice softened.
"My mom."
Natalie exhaled quietly and looked away, something unreadable flickering across her face. The silence thickened again—heavier now, weighted with things unsaid.
Athena stood.
"If you'll excuse me, Grandma. I need to freshen up."
"Go ahead, dear," Imelda said gently.
Athena walked away, her footsteps echoing softly as she climbed the stairs.
Behind her, the table remained silent.
What looked like a calm morning was already laced with tension—
old grief, new jealousy, and trust that had not yet learned where it truly belonged.
And though no one spoke it aloud, everyone felt it—
This family was still learning how to exist with her in it.