"Is Father awake?"
Rachel's hand froze, the comb hovering above Gina's sky-blue, waist-length hair. After a long pause, she continued mechanically.
"No. He's in a long sleep."
"A coma?"
"Do you know what a coma is?" she asked softly.
"No. But I heard it in a movie."
Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Well… it's not exactly a coma. It's more of a… full stop. Daddy won't wake up now. But he wants you to go to school. And you're entering a new level, mhm?"
"Don't worry. I'll never skip classes, even if it floods."
Rachel laughed bitterly, marveling at the innocence of a child in such a cruel world. The past few days had aged her far beyond her 27 years.
Wiping a lone tear from her face, she turned Gina to face her.
"When you get to the palace, watch your brother, okay? Make sure he doesn't get into too many fights. Report everything back to Mummy."
"Aye aye, Captain!"
Gina puffed up her chest and gave a playful salute. Rachel smiled and patted her head lightly.
Downstairs, George waited with Trevor. He froze for a moment, catching sight of his mother's reddened eyes and sister's bright smile, conflicted feelings stirring. He said nothing, betraying nothing.
"Don't cry, Mummy. You'll get wrinkles."
Rachel chuckled lightly and ruffled his hair. He didn't smile, only silently took Gina's hand, glancing once more at his mother. That look made her tremble, but she forced a smile and waved. Trevor nodded before falling in step behind them.
Throughout the walk, George remained quiet, a stark contrast to Gina's chatter as she bounced ahead. Donald followed silently, his eyes scanning the street.
"Georgie, what do you think about the king's offer? Junior Special Forces sounds cool, right?"
"Mhm."
"George, Daddy would be so proud when he wakes up. I'll pursue arts, you combat. I can already imagine the smile on his face—"
"Shut up! Okay?! You talk too much!"
Gina froze, eyes wide as a reindeer caught in headlights.
Trevor stepped forward, frowning.
"George, don't be rude—"
"She's acting like everything's fine, but it's not! Dad's dead, okay?! He's not coming back. It's not a sleep. He's dead! Stop pretending!"
"Why are you lying?! Mummy said lying is bad!"
"And being stupid is bad! I'm sure you can read as well as I can. Those were letters to Grandpa about Father's death. Stop coating everything in your stupid delusions!"
"George, stop it!"
Trevor squatted in front of Gina, whose small breaths had become labored. Donald rushed to her side, concern etched on his face.
George clenched his jaw, seeing his twin's tears, and finally softened.
"Sorry… I didn't mean it."
"Daddy said he's coming back."
"But he honestly isn't—"
"NO! That's not what he said! Mum said he's sleeping. Why are you being mean?"
"Gina, calm down. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to yell."
"Daddy's not dead! Take it back!"
"But it's true—"
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is!"
"Stop it!"
Gina shoved George down, small fists trembling with a mix of anger and heartbreak. Donald stepped between them, arms outstretched.
"Stop it! Both of you! You shouldn't be fighting!"
"She's being stupid and naive!" George shouted.
"Stop insulting me! I'm not naive! Just because I'm not as strong or strategic as you doesn't mean I'm weak!"
A sudden gust of heated wind slammed into them, throwing them off balance. Donald groaned, clutching his arm stretched toward Gina, pain etching his face.
Trevor quickly assessed the damage. Both his and Donald's hands were injured, but Donald's was worse.
School for the day was canceled.