~ Rewritten Fates ~

Chapter 1 - First Day

New York City, USA.

The soft morning light filters through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow over the bedroom. The clock on the nightstand blinks at 7:00 AM in gentle, muted numbers. Henry and his daughter Diana, lie nestled together under a sea of blankets, their peaceful breaths rising and falling in unison. The comforting rhythm of their slumber is only occasionally disturbed by the quiet creak of the house settling into the new day.

Downstairs, the home stirs to life with a slow, deliberate hum. The kitchen, bathed in early sunlight, remains untouched, it's polished countertops waiting patiently for the day's activity. The store room, with it's shelves stacked neatly, and the living room, with it's cozy furniture, hold their breath in anticipation of morning routines. The washing area, already equipped for the day's chores, remains silent in it's readiness.

Upstairs, the two bedrooms are serene, each door leading to a private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the quiet street below. The house, with its two floors and carefully arranged spaces, seems to embrace the tranquility of the morning, holding its occupants in a gentle pause before the day begins.

Henry slowly opens his eyes and checks the time. "Oh shit!" he jumps off the bed immediately. "Ana, wake up or you'll be late for school." Henry says as he gently shakes his daughter awake. In a sleepy voice she mumbles, "Just five minutes more, papa." Henry smiles and kisses her forehead. "Nope, it's time to get up now," he says softly. Diana finally opens her eyes. "Go and get a quick shower while I make breakfast." Henry adds, standing up and heading toward the kitchen.

"Oh, great, no eggs left," Henry mutters under his breath. "Fine, I'll just make toast," he sighs, grabbing the bread from the counter. "Papa, brush my hair!" his five-year-old princess shouts from the bathroom, her voice echoing down the hall. "Yes, coming love," Henry calls back. He puts the toast on a plate and leaves it there and heads towards her.

"Are you going to school in your normal clothes?" Henry asks, raising an eyebrow. "Where's your uniform?" "In the wardrobe!" Diana replies with a giggle, clearly amused. Henry throws his hands in the air dramatically before grabbing the uniform from the wardrobe. "Come here, you tiny devil," he says with a playful grin, motioning for Diana to come over. Henry helps her into the uniform, carefully buttoning it up, then brushes her hair with gentle stockes. Once satisfied with her neat look, he scoops her up and carries her to he dining table. "Breakfast is ready, little one," he says, setting her down with a smile.

"Papa, go to shower now!" she orders, pointing towards the bathroom with a serious expression, her tiny voice full of authority. "Yes, my queen." Henry replies with a playful bow, grinning as he heads off to the upstairs. Diana continues chewing her toast, her legs swinging under the chair as she waits patiently.

Henry comes down the stairs, dressed in a sweatshirt and pants. "Alright, let's go now," he says, grabbing the keys and his and Diana's backpack, ready to head out the door. "Did you take your pills, Papa?" Diana asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she rinses her mouth. Henry goes silent for a moment, then pulls out his pills from his pocket and takes a quick sip from the bottle. "Okay, sweetheart, let's go," he says, giving Diana a reassuring smile as they head out the door together.

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They arrive at school right on time. Henry kisses Diana's forehead and says, "It's your first day, and I know you can do it," he gives the backpack to her. "Aunt Lily will come to pick you up, okay? Stay with her until I get back from the office. Got it?" he asks. "Yes, papa. I love you," Diana says with a bright smile. "Good luck." Henry says with a warm smile as he waves goodbye. He then heads to his scooty and rides off toward the office.

Diana walks into the classroom and takes a seat on the third bench. She smiles brightly as she looks around at her classmates, feeling mix of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. "Good morning, everyone. I hope you're all having a good day," the class teacher says as she walks in. She turns to the class and adds, "Today, we have a new student joining us. This Diana Fox. Let's all give her a warm welcome and make sure she feels at home. I know you'll be great friends and help her settle in."