Broken homes

A Rare Good Day

The bell rang, signaling the end of health class. Students shuffled out, eager to escape whatever tension had built up during their group discussions. Lily grabbed her books and made her way toward the door, but Cory stepped in front of her.

"Lily, wait," he said, his voice hesitant.

She sighed. "Cory, I'm not in the mood—"

"Please," he interrupted. "Just... just hear me out this time."

Lily hesitated, her fingers tightening around her books. For weeks, she had avoided this conversation. But something about the way Cory looked at her—concerned, exhausted, but still him—made her stop.

"Fine," she muttered, stepping to the side of the hallway where it was quieter. "What do you want to say?"

Cory exhaled in relief. "I miss you," he said honestly. "I miss us. And I know I should've done better. I know I protected Shawn when I should've been there for you too. And I don't expect you to just forgive me overnight, but..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't want to lose you, Lily."

Lily swallowed, staring at the floor. "You hurt me, Cory."

"I know," he said softly. "And I wish I could take it back. I just—I've known Shawn for so long, and sometimes I don't think before I act. But that's not an excuse. You've always been my friend too. I should've acted like it."

Lily let out a shaky breath. "It's not just that," she admitted. "It's everything. My dad. Karen. My mom trying to change but me wondering if she actually can. And Shawn—" She cut herself off, shaking her head. "I don't know, Cory. I just don't know."

Cory nodded, listening. Really listening. "You don't have to figure everything out right now," he said. "But you don't have to go through it alone either."

Lily blinked, her walls crumbling just a little.

After a long moment, she sighed. "I don't forgive you yet."

Cory grinned, nodding. "Fair."

"But," she continued, giving him a small smirk, "I might let you walk me to my next class."

Cory beamed. "That's all I ask."

And just like that, the first step toward mending their friendship was taken.

As Lily and Cory strolled into the lunchroom together, it almost felt like nothing had changed. The air between them was light again—comfortable.

"So let me get this straight," Cory said, balancing his tray as they walked toward their usual table. "You voluntarily woke up early on a Saturday to go running?"

Lily rolled her eyes, setting her bag down. "It's called self-improvement, Cory. Some of us don't sleep until noon every weekend."

"I'll have you know, sleep is essential for brain function," he shot back, grinning. "Besides, do you really think Feeny would approve of you taking health advice from your mom?"

Lily smirked, leaning in slightly. "Well, considering my mom is the health coach now, I think Feeny doesn't have a choice."

Cory made a face. "Touché."

As they sat down, the others at the table took notice—especially Shawn. His easy conversation with Angela came to a halt as he watched Lily laugh at something Cory said. He had spent the past few weeks convincing himself that she wouldn't forgive Cory... just like she hadn't forgiven him.

And yet, here she was.

Angela nudged him slightly. "You okay?"

Shawn blinked, quickly looking away. "Yeah," he muttered, poking at his food. "Fine."