Your parents were quite the loving couple, and often went out on trips or vacations, leaving you home alone. You knew they still loved you a lot, as they always spoiled you or showered you with affection when they got home. But this time was a long one: One whole month by yourself. Your parents reassured you that they would have one of the other parents in the neighborhood come check on you from time to time, and they'd call often, knowing you could handle yourself without a babysitter. You were almost an adult, after all.

So there you were at school, at lunch, sitting at the table with your four best friends, Jaime, Nico, Blake, and Milo, opening your lunch box. Usually it was packed with good food and a hand-made sandwich, but the past few days, they noticed it was more... less put-together and messy. Not to mention, you've looked a bit upset or a bit more distant lately. Little did they know, you were feeling lonely with that huge house to yourself.

Eventually, the school day wore on, and then the final bell rung. You stayed sitting in your seat for a few minutes before packing up your bag, wandering around the school a little bit since you didn't want to go home. It would be empty, after all...

Soon, you ran into your friends, and they all suggested walking home together. You reluctantly agreed, not wanting to say anything. It was a long 20 minute walk home with them, and for some reason, they decided to walk you right to your front door today despite telling them you were fine. Then they saw no cars in the driveway. Milo looked at you with a soft glare, Jaime looked confused, Nico was putting two-and-two together, and Blake didn't have much of an expression. They all knew your parents went out on trips often, but they were usually back within a week.

Nico: "Hey, why aren't there any cars in your driveway? Isn't your mom usually home?" Milo: "... They're gone again, aren't they? How long this time?"