I've been thinking about Zoes "I can do everything" (because I'm 18 years old)- mindset. And yes, she is totally, 100% right. Duh, you might think. And yes, duh. BUT what does that mean? She is legally an adult and doesn't need her mother for anything. But Nora still depends on her mother.
In Germany -like in probably all other countries too- you need to be formally excused by a parent or legal guardian in case you missed school or even one single class. If teachers notice a certain pattern of your unexcused absence and/or if you accumulate a specific number of missed classes then they're obligated to report it (and the parents might be forced to pay a fee; etc.) Theres also a rule that you're not allowed to miss more than 10 classes per subject (Fehlstunde/ Fehltage) or else you'll be "ungradeble" which means that you wont qualify for Abi. (I'm not from Berlin, so this can be different)
If Zoe decides to skip class? No problem! She can write and sign her own excuses. If Nora decides to skip class or a whole school day like we've been witnessing? This might or should cause some problems. -I've literally seen this happen. Yes, she could be forging the signature but this things tend to come up. It's also unwise because there's a spot on your Abi certificate that marks the number of your missed classes or days you were absent (If I remember correctly).
And I'm now remembering that our mains are pros in missing classes... and while I do not wish it on Nora (or anyone else) I think this might be a good opportunity to show that young mains are dependent on adults. And having a parent that isn't there or isn't present is an actual problem -not only emotionally etc- but also legally.
