The door to Sylphia's room opened without warning. Veynessa stepped inside in silence.
Sylphia was sitting in an armchair by the window, curled up as if the daylight itself hurt her. Her arms hung limp, and her eyes, devoid of light, stared blankly into the distance.
The door creaked shut, but she didn't react. Her mother's footsteps approached slowly.
Veynessa said nothing. She knelt beside her and simply watched her for a moment. Then, without a word, she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Sylphia's cheek.
"Pack your things, darling. We're leaving in an hour."
Her voice was quiet. No pressure. But the tone held quiet resolve.
Sylphia didn't move. For a moment, Veynessa thought her daughter hadn't even heard her. But then the girl's shoulders trembled.
"For what?" she whispered. "To fail again?"
Veynessa sat down on the floor, leaning her back against the chair.
Sylphia clenched her hands on her knees, her nails digging into the fabric. Tears welled in her eyes.
