70 APOLOGIES III

I woke up early the next day, feeling like I had hardly slept a wink with Rex weighing heavily on my mind throughout the night. Hastily, I took a hot shower, hoping it would invigorate me. Just as I was dressing for school, my mom entered the room.

"Good morning, Mom. How was your night?" I greeted her with a bright smile.

"What are you doing?" she asked, clearly surprised by my actions.

"Getting ready for school," I replied, continuing to fuss around the room.

"You are not going anywhere," she stated firmly, her expression leaving no room for argument.

I paused, turning to face her. "But, Mom, I'm feeling much better now," I protested, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

"I know you are better but you won't go. I'm worried about you, Syd. Can't you see that?" She moved closer, gently taking hold of my hands, her concern evident in her eyes.