Three years after Day Zero, Marcus sat in the audience of his daughter's middle school graduation, watching Elena walk across the stage in a cap slightly too big for her head, grinning despite the awkward fit.
"She's really growing up," Priya said, sitting beside him, having flown in again despite her packed schedule with the oversight commission.
"Too fast," Marcus said. "Feels like yesterday she was hiding in a closet with Osei, and now she's graduating middle school."
"Time does that," Priya said. "Even after everything."
After the ceremony, they found Elena near the school entrance, diploma clutched proudly, friends surrounding her with the easy energy of kids who'd never had to hide from anything more dangerous than a pop quiz.
"You made it!" Elena said, spotting Priya and pullin
