Dr. Cuddy approached Alexis, clipboard in hand, and gave her a warm but firm smile. "Alexis, you've done enough for today. You can go home."
Alexis hesitated, her posture stiffening slightly. She didn't meet Cuddy's eyes right away, instead fidgeting with the edge of her lab coat. The thought of going home to the yelling and constant tension filled her with dread. But she knew better than to push back too hard.
"Are you sure?" Alexis asked carefully, her voice steady but subdued.
Cuddy gave her a reassuring nod. "Yes, I'm sure. You've been running circles around everyone today—House included, though he'd never admit it. Take the rest of the day for yourself. You've earned it."
Alexis forced a small smile. "Okay, thanks, Dr. Cuddy."
Cuddy paused, observing her for a moment as if sensing the reluctance in Alexis' response. "Is everything alright, Alexis? You seem... hesitant."
Alexis shook her head quickly. "Everything's fine. Just wasn't expecting to leave early, that's all."
Cuddy didn't press further, but her gaze lingered for a moment before she nodded. "Alright. If you need anything, my door's open."
"Thanks," Alexis replied softly, grabbing her bag and heading for the door. As she walked out, she mentally braced herself for whatever she might face at home, wishing she had somewhere else to go instead. Alexis stepped off the bus, the late afternoon sun dipping lower as she made her way home. The house was eerily quiet when she unlocked the door and stepped inside—no yelling, no footsteps, just silence. It felt strange, but also a rare relief.
She dropped her bag by the door and headed to her room. The exhaustion of the day caught up with her as soon as she lay down, and before she knew it, she had drifted off into a light sleep.
When Alexis woke, the house was still quiet. She glanced at her phone, realizing she had just enough time to get dinner ready before everyone came home. Heading into the kitchen, she gathered the ingredients her mom had asked for earlier. She worked methodically, almost mechanically, chopping, seasoning, and cooking until the tacos were perfectly assembled on the counter.
As if on cue, the front door opened, and her mom, Tonya, stepped in, followed by her younger sister, Ava, and then Steve, her stepdad. The sound of their footsteps and chatter filled the previously silent house.
Alexis wiped her hands on a towel and called out, "Dinner is done."
Tonya smiled as she walked into the kitchen. "Thanks, sweetheart," she said, though her tone lacked warmth, distracted as she sorted through her bag. Ava peeked over the counter, her face lighting up at the sight of the tacos.
Steve, however, barely glanced at Alexis. His presence immediately changed the atmosphere, his footsteps heavy as he sat down at the table without a word. Alexis stayed quiet, stepping back to let everyone serve themselves, already bracing for whatever mood the evening might bring. As everyone sat down at the table, Alexis hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How was everyone's day?"
Ava, with her plate already full of tacos, smiled brightly. "It was good! We had a science fair at school today, and my project won third place!"
Alexis smiled warmly. "That's awesome, Ava! What was your project about?"
"I made a volcano that actually erupts! It was so cool," Ava replied, her excitement bubbling over.
Tonya looked up briefly, her tone distracted. "That's great, Ava. I'm glad it went well." Then she turned to Alexis. "My day was busy, as usual. Meetings all day. You know how it is."
Steve snorted, cutting into the conversation. "Meetings aren't the same as real work." His tone was sharp, dismissive, as he shoved a taco into his mouth.
The table grew quiet for a moment, tension creeping in. Alexis took a deep breath, trying to keep the mood light. "Well, at least we're all home now, and we've got tacos. That's a win, right?"
Ava nodded enthusiastically, while Tonya gave a faint smile but didn't say much. Steve muttered something under his breath, but Alexis decided to let it go, focusing instead on making Ava feel proud of her day.
"Next time, you'll have to show me how your volcano works," Alexis said to Ava. "Maybe I can help you improve it for next year's fair."
Ava beamed. "Really? That would be so cool!"
Alexis smiled back, grateful for at least one bright spot in the evening.
