Keifer's POV
If the nightmare was the worst way to wake up, Serina's message was the best way to start the morning.
"Coffee run? Boys say hi! đ"
Jay read it over my shoulder, chin on my back. "Told you," she said softly. "Real."
I breathed out, tension finally loosening from my chest. "Yeah. Real."
We got ready together â uniforms, halfâtucked shirts, Jay stealing my tie "by accident," me fixing hers properly while she made faces in the mirror. The normal routine grounded me in a way I didn't know I needed.
By the time we stepped outside, Serina's car was already waiting at the curb. Keiren's head popped out the window first. "KUYA! WE GOT DONUTS!"
Keigan leaned across him, waving a paper tray. "And coffee! Mom went overboard."
Serina smiled from the driver's seat, eyes soft when she saw me. "You look tired," she said gently as we climbed in. "Bad dreams?"
"Yeah," I admitted, sliding an arm around Jay's shoulders. "But they lost."
She nodded like she understood more than I said. "They always do, eventually." She pressed a warm cup into my hands. "Here. Caramel for you, hazelnut for Jay-Jay."
Jay lit up. "Okay, I officially approve this mom."
The boys groaned. "We've been saying that!"
Traffic crawled, but the car was full of noise â Keiren complaining about homework, Keigan arguing about which movie to watch this weekend, Serina laughing at all of it. Jay snapped a quick picture: our reflection in the rearview mirror, all crammed together, sleepy and smiling.
"New wallpaper," she declared.
School came into view, gates already crowded. Section E spotted us instantly.
C-in sprinted over like a rocket. "MORNING FAMILY!" he yelled, nearly tripping over his own shoes. "Is that coffee? Is that donuts? Is that MOMMY SERINA?"
Felix and Percy weren't far behind. "You guys had a family coffee date without us?" Percy gasped. "Rude."
Serina just laughed and handed them each a donut from the extra box in the back. "I came prepared," she said. "I know how you operate."
"Best mom," Felix mumbled through a mouthful of glaze.
Aries walked up last, eyeing me carefully. "You look better today," he said quietly.
I met his gaze. "Nightmare," I admitted. "But it's gone."
He clapped my shoulder once. "Good. We're not going through that again."
As the bell rang, Serina kissed each of us on the forehead â yes, even me, even in front of everyone. "Text me later," she said. "And Jay-Jay?"
"Yes, Tita?"
"Watch over my son when his brain starts overthinking."
Jay grinned, slipping her hand into mine. "Always."
We walked into school together â Section E around us, Jay beside me, the echo of the nightmare fading with every step.
Later, in the middle of math, I caught myself staring at the bracelet and the tiny ink stain on Jay's fingers where she'd doodled hearts on my wrist at breakfast.
Yeah.
The past could scream all it wanted.
The present was louder.