Zinnia nodded, still unable to find the right words to express the whirlwind in her mind.
Lily, sensing Zinnia's inner turmoil, hugged her again for comfort.
Zinnia, with her face pressed against Lily's shoulder, let the comfort of her friend's presence settle in. She let out a shaky breath, wiping away the remnants of her tears, feeling a sense of quiet relief wash over her. It was so easy to feel like she was falling apart on her own, but with Lily here, it was as though the burden was just a little lighter.
"I don't know what to do, Lily," Zinnia whispered, her voice trembling. "Everything's falling apart. I don't even know what to think anymore."
Lily pulled back slightly, holding her at arm's length so she could look into her eyes. "You don't have to have all the answers right now, Zinnia. You just need to breathe. Take it one step at a time. I'm here for you. And I'll stay by your side, no matter what happens."
