"Hey, sweetie?"

Mom pokes her head through the doorway into my room. I look up and move my journal under my arm; out of her line of sight.

Then my dad appears. "Nova, dear, would you like to come down and eat dinner?"

I shake my head. "No thanks."

"You haven't eaten all day, though, honey," my mom says quietly.

I smile. "I ate lunch at school. My stomach just doesn't feel very good." I honestly just wanted to continue writing my findings of the day.

"Would you like a Tums?" she asks, looking at my father, worry grazing her gaze.

I shake my head. "I'll be alright. I just don't have an appetite right now." Lies.

My parents share a long look. "Well, alright, dear," my dad says finally. "Goodnight."

"Love you," Mom whispers.

I nod. "Goodnight."