"Yes mom, I'm settling down," Lillian was saying over the phone. She was sitting on the window ledge in her new bedroom, looking at the scenery outside. Her eyes were lost and blank but her voice was trying to sound happy for the sake of her mother.
"Did you have your lunch?" Natasha asked. "And dinner?"
"I did," Lillian replied. "I'm really fine. You don't have to come over. I've already set everything up."
"Fine!" Natasha exclaimed. "I'm...I'm just so worried about you. Staying all alone on your own…"
"Lots of girls stay alone, mom!" Lillian faked a laugh. "I'll be fine. You should take care of dad, okay? I love you. Bye."
She heard her mother sigh on the other side. "I love you too, Lily," she whispered. "Bye."
Lillian hung up the phone and stared at it for a long time. She was unsure of what to do or say anymore. Her heart was numb and her tears had dried up. It was past 10 PM and the dread she had been pushing off was now only increasing.
