Clay slid the door to his sister's room open. Sunlight flooded in through the windows, the crisp morning air and chirping of birds following it. As he crept towards the kitchen, the smell of bacon and the sizzling of the pan on the stove greeted him.

“Oh Clay, just in time, breakfast is done” His mother announced cheerfully. His black lab Zoey ran up to him, tail wagging as she licked at his hands. Clay knelt, lovingly petting her and scratching behind her ears.

“So Clay, any plans for today? You going to find a job or what?” His father asked without looking up from the plate of food before him.

Clay hesitated before responding “Yeah, I’m going to be going to the NDSA again today. I probably won’t be back for a while.”

“Oh is that right? Be sure to pack a lunch. So then you got the job?”

“Well sort of, I mean technically I guess.”

“Guesses don’t pay bills.” His father retorted, looking up from his food for the first time.

“Don’t give him such a hard time” his mother chimed in, bringing a plate of food to Clay as he sat down at the table. “I’m very proud of you honey, I know it’s something you always wanted to do.”

“Yeah…” Clay's voice trailed off. His mother gave him a concerned look. “Is everything ok?”

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Before he could respond, Uriana ran into the room. “We’re still going to the park today right?” She asked, looking up at Clay.

“We go every day, don’t we? Of course, we will be going today.” Clay answered her.

“But not until after you eat” their mother interjected, putting down a plate of food by an empty seat and motioning at Uriana to take a seat. A moment later, Alastor also joined them, their mother taking a seat so the whole family was eating together.

Well, besides Rose, Clay thought to himself. But after what had just happened, of course Rose wouldn’t be included.

The family spent the breakfast talking about their plans for the day, joking and teasing one another, and just enjoying each other's company. Clay didn’t want it to end, but he knew it had to.

Finally building up the willpower, Clay pushed his chair away from the table, getting to his feet. “Well, I really should head out. It’s going to be a long day.”

“Oh okay, honey. Be safe.” His mother responded. His dad looked up from his coffee. “Yeah, have a good day.”

“Don’t forget about the park today” Uriana said between bites of food.

Clay blinked at the blurriness in his eyes, a slight trickle of moisture escaping down his cheek. “Thanks, and guys, I really love all of you.” He looked at the smiling faces of his family one last time before turning towards the front door, slowly walking away.

“Oh hey Clay, one last thing” His father called out, causing him to pause. “It’s not Rose’s fault. Please try to forgive her.” Clay stood in silence for a minute. “Yeah, I know,” he said finally.

Exiting the house, there wasn’t much of a front door left, and what remained was heavily charred. Many openings where the fire had burnt through lined the exterior walls and the roof of the home. Across the front door was yellow caution tape, which Clay pushed through without looking back.