The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of Raika's bedroom, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. She lay sprawled across her bed, nestled in the soft blankets, as the sun gently nudged her awake. With a contented sigh, she rolled over, burying her face in the pillow, then rolled back again, savoring the last remnants of sleep.
But as she blinked open her eyes, the world coming into focus, the peace of the morning was suddenly interrupted. The door to her room burst open with a loud bang, and Raika jolted up, rubbing her eyes in surprise.
"Where have you been, my daughter?" Maria's voice was filled with both relief and concern as she rushed into the room. Her face was etched with worry, her eyes scanning Raika from head to toe as if to ensure she was unharmed. "I've been looking for you until late at night. I thought you were kidnapped again!" Maria's voice trembled slightly, betraying the depth of her fear.
