Third Person POVNext morning came too fast, sunlight spilling through the curtains as Elena and Lila zipped final bags in the quiet bedroom, the weight of goodbyes hanging heavy in the air. Elena's mom fussed downstairs in the kitchen, packing homemade sandwiches and protein bars into their carry-ons like they were heading off to college again. "Eat properly you two get so caught up in work, you forget," she said, pressing the bags into their hands, her eyes suspiciously bright. Elena's dad loaded the car methodically, double-checking passports and tickets on his phone, his usual steady voice laced with reluctance.At the airport drop-off, hugs stretched long and fierce. Elena's mom pulled Elena close first, whispering into her hair. "Call every day, okay? And eat those sandwiches don't just hand them to airport security. I worry about you out there alone." She turned to Lila, cupping her face. "Same goes for you, sweetheart. New York's big and scary, but you've got Elena. Promi
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