Raw emotions

As Zinnia reached for the phone in the living room, the screen lit up with Lily's name. She hesitated for a brief moment, knowing that Lily would have heard the news by now. Her stomach churned with nerves, but she couldn't avoid her friend any longer. With a deep breath, she answered the call.

"Hey, Lily," she greeted softly, trying to sound calm.

But Lily's voice came through, sounding anything but calm. "Why didn't you tell me anything about this, Zinnia? Are we still friends, or have you forgotten to consult me now?" Lily's tone was sharp but laced with the familiar worry Zinnia had grown used to over the years. "I just saw the news, but I guess it's too late for me now."

Zinnia could almost picture Lily's sulking expression, her lower lip jutting out slightly like it always did when she felt left out. Zinnia's heart sank with guilt. She hadn't meant to keep her in the dark, but everything had happened so fast, and she barely knew how to process it herself.