Milo didn’t like mornings.

He didn’t like brushing his teeth.

He didn’t like getting dressed.

He didn’t like answering his dad’s questions in the car.

He just wanted to play games all day and stay up all night.

Every morning, his mom would knock on his door—knock knock knock!—and say, “Up and at ’em, Milo! Wash up and brush those teeth!”

Every morning, his dad would drive him to school and ask, “What are you excited about today, buddy?”

And every morning, Milo would stare out the window and say... nothing.

One day, Milo woke up late.

No knock on the door.

No smell of breakfast.

No voices in the kitchen.

“Maybe they’re still sleeping,” Milo mumbled.

So he grabbed his tablet and started playing.

But the internet was off. Ugh!

He played offline for a while, but something felt... weird.

Where was Mom?

Where was Dad?

Why was the house so quiet?

Milo tiptoed through the house.

Past the bathroom—he remembered Mom saying, “Brush those teeth, mister!”

Past the kitchen—he remembered the smell of eggs and toast, and his parents chatting while he sat down sleepily.

He peeked outside and saw Dad’s car in the driveway.

He remembered Dad asking questions, trying to talk.

And Milo never answered.

Suddenly, Milo felt something heavy in his chest.

He missed them.

He missed everything.

His eyes filled with tears.

Then—FLASH!—a bright light surrounded him.

“Milo, wake up!”

It was Mom.

She was standing in the doorway, just like always.

Milo jumped out of bed and gave her the biggest hug he’d ever given.

Mom was surprised—but she smiled and held him tight.

He rushed to the bathroom, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and got dressed.

Then he ran to the kitchen and started helping Mom with breakfast.

Dad walked in and said, “Milo, I need to talk to you. It’s time.”

But he stopped.

Milo was already up.

Already dressed.

Already helping Mom.

Dad blinked. “Wow.”

Milo smiled. “Let’s sit down.”

He set the table.

They all ate together.

And Milo talked.

He talked about his game, his dream, and how he felt.

Mom and Dad looked at each other.

They didn’t say much.

But they smiled.