Zara reached home that evening just as the sun was setting. She tried to sneak upstairs quietly, hoping to slip into her room without being noticed. But the moment her foot touched the first step, her mom’s voice stopped her.
“Zara? Why are you walking so suspiciously?”
Zara froze, then turned with a nervous smile.
“Nothing, Mom. Just… tired.”
Her mom stood in the hallway, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. She looked at Zara for a few long seconds, observing her heated expression and how firmly she clutched her school bag. Something clicked in her head.
“You’re later than usual today,” she said. “Why are you late getting back from school?”
Zara turned back toward the stairs, avoiding her eyes.
“Just busy with some assignments, Mom. Nothing serious.”
Her mom didn’t say anything e
