Chains of the Cosmos

Welcome Home Part 2

Nora groans as the alarm blares on her phone, jolting her awake. The weight of the previous day settles over her like a thick blanket, but she forces herself to sit up. She rubs her eyes and swings her legs over the side of the bed, steeling herself for what comes next.

She moves through the hall to Bishop and Rook's rooms. Knocking on Bishop's door first, she calls out, "Time to get up!"

"Already awake," Bishop replies gruffly from the other side.

Nora nods and moves to Rook's door. She knocks twice and calls out, "Rook, wake up. It's time to get ready for school."

There's no response.

"Rook!" she says louder, pushing the door open. He's buried under a pile of blankets, a tuft of his hair sticking out. "Come on, kiddo. You've got to get up."

Rook groans dramatically and pulls the covers tighter around him. "Five more minutes."

"Not happening," Nora says, walking to the bed and tugging at the blankets. "Up, up, up! Your brother's already awake."

Rook groans again but finally sits up, his hair a mess and his eyes bleary. "I hate mornings," he mumbles.

"Join the club," she mutters, ruffling his hair. "Get dressed and meet me downstairs."

She heads to the kitchen and starts rifling through the cabinets, her nerves on edge. When the boys appear a few minutes later, she looks at them expectantly. "Alright, what do you guys want for breakfast?"

"Pancakes," Rook says immediately, plopping down at the table.

Nora winces. "Something quick, maybe?"

"Cereal," Bishop says flatly, crossing his arms as he leans against the counter. His suspicious gaze hasn't left her since he walked in.

"Cereal it is," Nora says, grabbing bowls and a box of cereal. She pours the milk carefully, trying not to make a mess, and sets the bowls in front of them.

"Thanks, Mom," Rook says brightly, digging in.

Bishop, however, doesn't touch his bowl. He's still watching her with narrowed eyes. "What's going on with you?" he asks finally.

Nora freezes for a moment, then forces a smile. "Nothing. Just trying to get the hang of things."

"You act like you've never done this before," Bishop says bluntly.

"I'm just tired," she says quickly. "Long night. That's all."

He doesn't look convinced, but he finally sits down and starts eating. Nora exhales and glances at the clock. "Alright, finish up. We've got to get out the door soon."

Once they're in the car, Nora starts the engine and grips the steering wheel. "Okay, Bishop," she says, glancing at him in the passenger seat. "You're my navigator. How far is it to school?"

"Just a few minutes," he says, his tone still tinged with suspicion.

"Alright," she says, forcing cheerfulness. "You tell me the turns."

Bishop sighs but obliges, directing her through the suburban streets. "Turn left here," he says as they approach an intersection. "Then it's straight for a bit."

Rook is happily chattering in the backseat, oblivious to the tension in the front. "You're doing great, Mom," he says with a grin.

"Thanks, buddy," she says, her hands tightening on the wheel.

They finally pull up to the school, and Bishop unbuckles his seatbelt. "You're dropping us off here," he says as if explaining the obvious.

"Got it," Nora says, her voice wavering slightly. "Have a good day, boys."