Rowan
The sports field looked like a battlefield. Not a real battlefield. A far more dangerous one. Hundreds of children. Dozens of parents. Teachers attempting to maintain order. Colourful banners flapping in the wind. Whistles blowing every few minutes.
Organized chaos disguised as a school event. I stood near the edge of the field beside a cluster of other parents and guardians. Technically, I wasn't supposed to be here. Not because anyone objected. Because I'd spent the entire morning convincing myself I was too busy.
The border investigation. The attacks. The leadership meetings. The secret task force. There was always something. Always another responsibility demanding attention. Then Eli had casually mentioned his school sports day.
And somehow, despite everything else, I'd en
