Over the next few weeks, Emily's parents began to notice subtle changes in her behavior—sneaking out, staying out later than usual, spending more time with Ava. The town was small, and whispers traveled fast. Her mother, Margaret, sat her down one evening.
"Emily," she began, her voice strained. "We've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with that… girl, Ava."
Emily felt her heart race. She wanted to be honest but knew her parents' beliefs left no room for compromise. She assured her mother they were just friends, but the suspicion lingered, unspoken but heavy.
Meanwhile, Ava faced her own set of troubles. Her parents, though more liberal than Emily's, were wary of Ava's choices. Her father pulled her aside one night after dinner.
"Ava, people are talking. About you and… Emily. Are you sure you know what you're getting into?"
The question stung, but Ava held her ground. "I know exactly what I'm getting into, Dad."
Yet, in the privacy of her room that night, doubt crept in. She wondered if she could ever make Emily feel safe enough to be honest with the world.