Broken homes

Love in the middle of goodbye

That night, Lily sat on her bed, trying to drown out the sounds of her parents' voices as they echoed through the walls. She'd grown used to their arguments over the years, but tonight felt different, like something was coming to a breaking point.

She could hear her dad's voice, tense and unyielding, echoing up from the kitchen. "It's over, Andrea. This can't go on anymore. I'm done. We're done."

Her mother's voice cracked with desperation. "Marcus, please. I'm trying. I know I've made mistakes, but Lily... she still needs me. I love her. I just need to get better."

Lily's heart sank as she heard her mother's words, the plea in her voice like a knife twisting in her chest. She wanted to go down there, to tell them to stop, to make them see what this was doing to her. But she stayed frozen, her hands clenching the fabric of her blanket.

The voices grew louder, and finally, she heard her mother's footsteps coming up the stairs. A few moments later, her mom gently opened her bedroom door and stepped inside, her face pale, her eyes red from crying. She closed the door softly and sat on the edge of Lily's bed.

"Hey, sweetie," her mom whispered, her voice shaky but tender. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Lily's face.

Lily looked up at her, swallowing the tears that threatened to spill over. "Mom, what's happening? Are you... are you really leaving?"

Her mother's face crumpled for a moment, but she forced a sad smile. "Honey, I... I don't want to leave you. I love you more than anything in this world. But your dad's right. I need to get better. I haven't been the mother you deserve, and I think... maybe I need to go away for a little while to figure out how to be that."

"But I don't want you to go," Lily whispered, her voice breaking. "I just want things to be normal."

Her mom pulled her into a tight hug, her arms shaking as she held her. "I know, baby. I know. And I wish I could change everything, make it all okay. But sometimes, the best way to show someone you love them is to let them have a life without the things that hurt them."

Lily felt a sob rise in her throat, and she clung to her mom, afraid to let go. "Will you come back?"

Her mom pulled back, looking her in the eyes. "I will do everything I can to come back to you, Lily. But I can't promise when. All I can promise is that I'm doing this because I love you, because you deserve a mom who's whole, who can be there for you in every way."

The door creaked open, and her dad stood there, his face hardened but his eyes sad. "Andrea," he said softly, "it's time."

Her mom looked back at Lily, her hand lingering on her cheek. "Remember, you are loved. And you are stronger than you know."

With one last kiss on her forehead, her mom stood up and walked to the door, pausing as she looked back one final time. Then, she stepped out, leaving Lily alone in the quiet of her room, the emptiness settling around her like a heavy blanket.

As her dad went to shut the door, Lily called out to him, her voice trembling. "Is she coming back, Dad?"

Her father sighed, his face tired and worn. "I don't know, Lily. But I do know that we're going to get through this. You're not alone."

Lily nodded, watching as he left the room. She curled up on her bed, letting the tears flow freely now, feeling the ache of loss and love tangled up together. In that moment, she felt both emptier and somehow stronger, holding onto her mother's words like a fragile lifeline in the middle of the night

The next morning, Lily walked through the halls of John Adams High with her head down, her shoulders tense, and her heart feeling like it was wrapped in a thick layer of numbness. The echoes of last night were still fresh in her mind, her mother's last words playing over and over in her head like a haunting melody.

Shawn spotted her from down the hall, waving her over, but she pretended not to see him, slipping past the crowd of students and heading straight to her locker. She kept her focus on her books, ignoring the curious glances and even Topanga's friendly greeting. She didn't want to talk, didn't want to explain why her eyes were red or why she felt like there was a giant hole in her chest.

In the midst of her silent retreat, a familiar voice called out to her down the hallway: "Lily!"

Lily looked up to see her older sister, Abigail, standing by the front entrance, scanning the crowd for her. Just yesterday, Lily hadn't expected to see Abigail at school; after all, Abigail had already graduated. But there she was, new to John Adams High, due to some last-minute class credits she needed to complete.

Abigail's face softened when she saw Lily's expression, but before she could say anything, another voice interrupted them.

"Well, well, look who's new in town." Eric Matthews sauntered over, flashing one of his trademark grins. "You must be the mysterious new girl everyone's talking about. Abigail, right?"

Abigail raised an eyebrow, sizing him up with a small smirk. "And you are?"

"Eric Matthews," he said, holding out his hand. "Resident heartthrob, junior philosopher, and future something-or-other."

Abigail shook his hand, an amused glint in her eyes. "Nice to meet you, Eric. I guess I'm new here, though I'm really only here to wrap up a couple of classes."

Eric leaned casually against the locker next to hers. "Well, if you need a tour guide, look no further. I know all the best lunch spots and the secret ways to dodge Mr. Feeny."

She laughed, glancing back at Lily, who was watching their exchange with a faint look of surprise. Abigail tilted her head, clearly noticing Lily's distant expression.

"Actually, I think I'll be okay, but thanks," Abigail said, turning her attention back to her sister. "Lil, how are you doing? Really?"

Lily's face hardened, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I'm fine. Just... don't worry about me."

Abigail frowned, sensing her sister's closed-off demeanor. She stepped a little closer, lowering her voice. "Lily, you don't have to shut everyone out. I know last night was-"

"Abby," Lily interrupted, her tone clipped. "I said I'm fine."

Eric, sensing the tension, straightened up. "Hey, if you need backup, Lily, I can always distract her with more bad jokes."

Abigail rolled her eyes, but Lily just shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm going to class. See you both around."

She walked away, leaving Abigail standing there, looking conflicted. Eric noticed her expression, his usual easygoing attitude replaced by something softer.

"Hey, don't take it personally," he said. "She's been through a lot. Sometimes, people just need time."

Abigail nodded, letting out a small sigh. "I know. I just wish I could make it easier for her. She acts so strong, but I know she's hurting."

Eric placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a gentle smile on his face. "Maybe that's why she needs you here. Even if she doesn't show it."

Abigail looked at him, surprised by his insight. "Thanks, Eric. You're a lot wiser than you let on."

He laughed, shrugging. "I have my moments. But seriously, if you or Lily need anything, I'm around. And hey, if you're ever up for a coffee... or, you know, an 'educational tour' of the school..."

Abigail chuckled, her eyes softening. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the bell rang, Abigail gave him one last smile before heading toward her own class, leaving Eric watching her with a new sense of intrigue.

Meanwhile, Lily found a quiet corner in the library, away from the noise and the people. She couldn't face her friends right now, couldn't handle their concern or their questions. For now, she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts, letting the silence wrap around her like armor.

But as she sat there, a small part of her wished she could let someone in-maybe Shawn, maybe Abigail. She wanted to believe that someone could help carry the weight, even if just a little.

But for now, she pushed that thought away, choosing instead to keep her walls up, her heart guarded. It was safer this way, even if it meant being alone.