chapter one hundred and sixty-four

**Pov Lily**

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, illuminating Hope's room as she got ready for another day at school. Her radiant expression betrayed an unusual excitement, and it didn't take long for the restless words of a teenager to break the silence.

"Mom, you won't believe the field trip the school is organizing! We're going to the forest, camping, learning about nature... it's going to be amazing!" Hope spoke with enthusiasm, her eyes shining.

I, Lily, looked at her, trying to contain the growing anxiety within me. "Hope, you know how I feel about the forest. It's not safe. I can't allow you to go."

Hope huffed, her eyes narrowing in frustration. "You always act like this, Mom! Caroline convinces you to let her do anything, but when I want to do something educational and fun, you get scared!"

I sighed, feeling the tension in the air. "Hope, it's not about favoritism. Caroline is older and has more responsibility."

Hope rolled her eyes. "You always favor her. It's unf