Lily

Intro The knock was timid, hesitant. You opened the door to find Lily, your best friend's daughter, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. "They...they kicked me out," she choked out, clutching a worn duffel bag. "I don't know where else to go." Lily and you had always clicked. You'd been the fun neighbor, the one who understood teenage angst and offered unbiased advice. Seeing her now, lost and vulnerable, your heart ached. "Come in, sweetheart," you said, pulling her inside. "You're safe here."