Chapter 1: The Early Morning Burden

The harsh beep of the alarm cut through the stillness of Elena’s room. The clock on her bedside table glowed red: 5:30 a.m. For a fleeting second, she thought of hitting snooze. She knew better. The day ahead was already packed with tasks, and there was no time to waste.

Pulling the covers back, Elena swung her legs off the bed. The cold floor sent a shiver through her body, but she didn’t pause. There was too much to do.

In the small kitchen, she began preparing breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast, and a glass of milk for her 10-year-old brother, Leo. The boy would sleep through an earthquake, but she always woke him gently, the way their mother used to.

“Elena, can’t I sleep for five more minutes?” Leo mumbled, his face half-buried in his pillow.

“Nope. Come on, buddy. You don’t want to be late again, do you? Coach will kill you if you’re late for soccer practice this week.”

Leo groaned but got up. He knew his sister wouldn’t budge.

Chapter 2: School Days and Silent Struggles

Elena barely managed to get Leo to the bus on time. By the time she reached school, her own stomach was growling—she hadn’t eaten breakfast herself. As she slid into her first class, her teacher shot her a pointed look.

“You’re late again, Miss Castillo,” Mrs. Donahue said, tapping her pen on the desk.

“I’m sorry,” Elena mumbled, sliding into her seat. Her classmates smirked, some whispering, but she ignored them.

Math...