Chapter 17

Francine woke up to the sound of her parents bustling about the kitchen. She rubbed her eyes, sat up, and looked around her bedroom. Everything was in order, her luggage was packed and sitting by the door. Today was the day they would embark on their family cruise trip, and she was excited.

Francine got out of bed and walked to the kitchen. There she found her family sitting around the table, munching on toast and eggs. Her father Zeke was reading the news on his phone, while her mother Beatriz was chatting away with her older brother Royce. Azure was playing a game on Royce’s tablet.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Beatriz greeted Francine with a smile.

"Morning, mom," Francine replied, taking a seat at the table. She grabbed a piece of toast and began to butter it.

"I can't wait to get on that cruise ship!" Royce exclaimed. "I heard they have a swimming pool that's bigger than our whole house!"

Zeke looked up from his phone. "And they have video games and movies and everything. It's