[FLASHBACK]
Adriel's father, William, always came home early, like clockwork.
"How was school?" he would ask as soon as he stepped into the foyer, slipping off his polished shoes. The same question every weekday.
"Good!" Adriel's answer was automatic, his eyes flickering toward the driveway, searching for the second car. "I got a nine in math!"
William glanced at him briefly. "Why not a ten?"
"Uh, I solved two problems wrong." Adriel awkwardly followed him to the study. He glanced at the briefcase his father had brought in. It was already open, papers stacked neatly on the side table where the maid had left coffee.
"Did you do your homework?"
"Not yet..."
"Then get on with it." William gave a distracted wave and nudged Adriel out of his study. "Let me know if you need a better math tutor. I'll arrange it."
