“You're really not coming with us?" her father asked, adjusting his tie as Julia fussed with her pearls.
Daisy stood near the staircase, suitcase in hand—not packed for a trip, but for a long weekend of war.
“I told you. The scholarship exam is scheduled this Sunday. It's my only shot at a full ride."
Julia scoffed. “No need to be so dramatic. It's just college."
Daisy smiled thinly. “Everything's just something to you, isn't it?"
Her father stepped forward, trying for tenderness. “You'll be all alone in this big house. You sure you'll be okay?"
“I'll manage." Daisy accepted his half-hearted hug, slipping the safe key deeper into her coat pocket. “Good luck with the coastal event."
Jessica bounded down the stairs in a summer dress, sunglasses perched on her head.
“Try not to set th
