"Sweetie? Wake up, honey. First day of school, remember?"

Caitlin's soft voice penetrates the fog suffocating my senses. I support my body on one arm as I throw the thick blanket away from me. Still maintaining the icy silence that persists between us, I throw myself into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. After a few moments, I hear the bedroom door close, signalling Caitlin's departure.

***

I step off the final step, slinging a backpack over my shoulder. I peek into the kitchen, fearing the worst, but Caitlin isn't there.

Thank god.

On the stone slab is a plate with french toast, and I eat leisurely, but as soon as I hear Caitlin coming down the stairs, I gobble it down, hoping to escape her. Unfortunately, just as I've slung the backpack over my shoulder, she appears at the doorway. Although she freezes at the sight of me, she stays, and says, "I'm going to drop you off at school, just for today."

I pause for a moment, debating about what to do, before nodding. It would probably be best to get back on her good books before long.

******

Caitlin's car is a beautiful BMW Gran Turismo. I have to bite my lip to keep myself from sighing at such a gorgeous car. When she slides into the driver's seat, and gestures for me to sit in the seat beside her, I almost sigh at the texture of the leather beneath me.

Although, when she starts driving, I let nothing distract me. I carefully mentally note down the names of streets, roads, and notable scenes. Caitlin, mistaking my scanning for curiosity, gratefully helps me, providing the names of certain buildings.

I briefly wonder what she'll think when she realizes that she was helping me escape.

As she pulls in front of the school, I turn to her and say, "I'm sorry about last night. I guess I was just shocked." 

Caitlin smiles and replies, "It's okay sweetie. I understand."

"See you...mom." The word feels like poison on my mouth, and I loath addressing her it. I have to remind myself that I must maintain my mask to keep myself from grimacing.

Caitlin's smile is so huge, and so bright, it could light up the darkest of souls.

I almost feel regret.

But I know I cannot afford it.