Inside the kitchen, Noah sat with his family as they ate breakfast together.
Caroline, leaned slightly toward him, her expression encouraging but her concern couldn't be hidden.
"How are you feeling about the exam later, honey? Don't be nervous, okay?" she said, her tone soft and reassuring even though she was nervous herself.
Noah, in the middle of a bite, nodded casually. After swallowing, he gave her a confident smile. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm very confident about the exam. I'll make you guys proud."
Caroline smiled warmly, her eyes glimmering with pride. "That's my boy," she said, patting his hand gently.
Across the table, Emily was finishing her cereal, her eyes bouncing from excitement for her brother.
After finishing his teacup, David stood up and adjusted his tie. "Emily, Noah, let's go. I'll drop you both off at school. Your brother has an important exam today, and we can't risk him being late."