Late Again The alarm was supposed to go off at 5:30 a.m.
It didn’t feel like it did.
Or maybe it did, and Ava Carter simply betrayed herself by sleeping through it.
Her eyes snapped open.
6:47a.m.
Silence.
Then panic.
“Oh shit-shit, shit, shit!” She shot out of bed so fast the blanket wrapped around her legs, nearly pulling her back down like it wanted her to fail personally.
Today was not the day for mistakes.
She was already late.
Ava rushed through her apartment in controlled chaos-half-dressed, hair not done, one shoe missing, brushing her teeth while trying to locate her uniform at the same time.
Her life had become a race against minutes.
And she was losing.
Her phone rang.
“Dad” She froze for half a second too long.
Then answered.
“Hey, Dad,” she said, breath uneven as she moved around the room.
His voice came though warm but firm, the kind of concern that always arrived slightly too late in her life.
“Ava, have you eaten yet?
You always skip breakfast.
That’s not good for you.” She paused briefly, holding her phone between her ear and shoulder while grabbing her work bag.
Of course.
Even now-when she was already late-he was worried about breakfast.
And that was the confusing part.
Because it sounded like he cared.
But it didn’t erase the years she spent without him.
A thought slipped in before she could stop it: Where was this concern when I was growing up feeling alone?
She swallowed it down.
“Dad…
I’m not a child anymore, I’ll eat something.” She said softly.
Not angry.
Not warm either.
Just…
neutral.
“That’s what you always say,” he replied gently.
“I know.
I just-I’m in a rush right now.” “Just take care of yourself, Ava.” “I will,” she said quickly.
And ended the call before the feeling could grow heavier.
She stood still for a second.
I always seem to be the one taking care of myself, maybe I’m just too much of a burden.
Then shook it off.
“Focus,” she whispered.
She grabbed her car keys, coffee bottle, shoved a piece of bread into her mouth, picked up her heels, and swung her bag over her shoulder.
Her phone stayed pressed between her ear and shoulder as she unlocked the door.
Somehow, she made it out.
And immediately- “Ava!
WE ARE SO LATE AGAIN!” Mia Brooks stood outside her apartment already dressed, looking far too put-together for someone who was supposed to be complaining.
Ava stare at her.
“…you’re enjoying this.” Mia grinned.
“You’re driving today,” she said as she tossed the keys to Mia, with a big smile on her face.
She definitely was enjoying it.
And just like that, chaos walked beside her into the morning.