Annie stood by the front door, her purse dangling from one arm.

“I can’t find the keys,” she muttered, fingers digging through the bag again. “I swear I left them in here.

That’s when I heard it.

A sound so soft I almost ignored it.

Someone crying.

“Did you hear that?” Annie asked.

She didn’t wait for an answer.

She rushed back into the house, and Vivi and I followed, our steps uneven, unsure. The living room lights were on. Mom was on the couch, her face buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking.

And Dad was standing.

With his jacket on.

My stomach dropped.

“Dad?” Vivi said first. Her voice cracked, just a little. “Where are you going?”

Mom looked up at us like she was drowning.

“Please,” she sobbed. “Please help me beg your father. He’s leaving us.”

The word leaving echoed in my head, loud and hollow.

Annie moved closer to him, her hands trembling.

“Dad?” Her voice was barely there. “Are you really leaving?”

She tried to be strong. She always did.

But then she broke.

“Please don’t go,” she cried. “We need you here.”

Tears slid down her face, fast and messy, like they’d been waiting for permission.

Dad looked at all of us. For a second just one I thought he might change his mind.

“I’m sorry, kids,” he said quietly. “Someday you’ll understand why I’m doing this.”

I hated that sentence. I still do.

“I promise I’ll reach out,” he added. “Always.”

Then he stepped forward.

Past Annie.

Past Vivi.

Past me.

The door opened.

And closed.

Just like that.

...I'm LILY, and this is my story, it's more like an adventure, I bet you'll love it...

Vivi groaned and curled into herself on the couch.

“Yeah. That’s it. I’m done with chocolate. Officially.”

Annie laughed, then froze.

Her phone buzzed in her hand.

She stared at the screen for a long second. Too long.

“Annie?” I asked. “Why do you look like you just saw a ghost?”

She didn’t answer. Her eyes filled first.

Then she laughed.

Then she cried.

“I got in,” she whispered, like the words might disappear if she said them too loud. “I got into college.”

She turned the phone toward us, hands shaking.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

Then Vivi squealed. “SHUT UP. You’re lying.”

“I’m not,” Annie said, wiping her face. “I’m really not.”

She covered her mouth, overwhelmed. “I can’t wait to tell Mom.”

I smiled. I really did.

And then the thought slipped out before I could stop it.

“And Dad.”

The room went quiet again.

Not awkward.

Just… heavy.

Annie nodded slowly. “Yeah,” she said. “Dad too.”

Progress always looks shiny from the outside.

No one ever sees what it costs.

"I had no idea Mom had plans tonight… 

Victor. Of all people. And she actually went on a date."

.___________________________________________________________

(Mom's eyes lighting up the moment she sees him)

“Hey, Victor. Nice to see you again.”

Victor smiled, sliding in opposite her. “Same here, Riley. Always looking good.”

A waiter appeared just then, jotting down their orders, and Mom waved politely while Victor leaned back.

“So,” he said, voice casual, “how are the girls doing? To be honest, I’m kind of shocked they let you go on a date with me. I know I’m not exactly… their favorite.” He chuckled softly, a little self-conscious.

Mom laughed, a full, genuine laugh that made Victor grin.

“True… especially Lily. But I just told them I had somewhere important to go you know, wasn’t specific. Even if I was, they can’t tell me what to do, Vic. I am the mom, remember?” She winked at him, soft and playful.

Victor raised an eyebrow, smiling. “The Mom-o-meter 2.0, huh? Got it. Honestly though… I’m really glad you made it. Seriously. Thanks for coming.”

Mom tilted her head, smiling as she reached for her water glass. “Of course. Someone has to keep the chaos contained.”

Victor chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah… good luck with that,” he said, eyes twinkling.

____________________________________________________________

Annie’s eyes were still glowing, like the news hadn’t fully settled in yet.

“Oh my God,” she said softly, shaking her head. “Mom is going to be so excited for me, guys.”

“Yeah,” I said, pulling her into a warm hug. “Just like we are. I’m really happy for you, Annie. You deserve this.”

She hugged me back tighter than usual.

Vivi suddenly sat up on the couch. “Well… shouldn’t we celebrate?” she said. “I mean, Mom’s off with some guy named Victor, and we’re stuck watching Twilight for the umpteenth time.”

She paused dramatically.

“Let’s go get ice cream.”

I scoffed. “You? Want more sweet stuff?”

She shrugged. “Healing requires sacrifice.”

“Okay, Willy Wonka,” I said, already grabbing the car keys. I twirled them around my finger. “I’m driving.”

Annie groaned, dragging herself off the couch. “Ughhh. You’re a reckless driver, Lils. Try not to unalive us tonight, okay?”

She pouted, pushing her lips out, attempting the world’s worst cute face.

I smirked. “No promises.”

The lights faded as we headed out the door three sisters, one big win, and way too much sugar waiting for us.

____________________________________________________________

(Bright lights dragged me out of my beauty sleep like they had personal beef with me.)

“Ughhh!” I groaned, squinting. “Who turned on the lights? And why is someone in my room?”

“Babes, get your ass out of that bed,” Vivi said. “Annie’s going to college today, so I need your help in the kitchen. It’s just me and you now "Lily in the garden.”

She smirked and nudged my foot with hers while I stayed perfectly still.

I shot upright. “Oh my God. It’s coronation day!”

Vivi burst out laughing. “Haha. Very funny, Lils. Truly hilarious,” she said, dripping sarcasm.

I grinned. “Do you wanna build a snowm....”

A pillow hit me square in the face.

“Ow!” I groaned. “Gosh, I’m coming, I’m coming. Jesus Christ, Vivi, you gotta chill.”

I rubbed my eyes and slid sluggishly out of bed. “I’ll be there in five.”

Vivi paused at the door and glanced back. “Good. And do justice to your room while you’re at it.”

She left before I could respond.

I sighed, staring at the mess around me.

College day.

For Annie.

Guess sleep was officially canceled.

(The kitchen smelled like toast and something slightly burnt...classic morning at our house.)

“Hey, guys!” Annie said, walking in with that calm-but-nervous look she’d been wearing all morning.

“What’s up, sis?” I said. “You all ready for your big day, huh?”

I winked at her.

Bad idea....

She stared at me, visibly disturbed. “Ew, Lils. Ew.” She shook her head. “And yeah, I’m ready. But it’s just college. I don’t think it’s meant to be fun.”

“Well,” Vivi said, grabbing a slice of toast from the table, “I can totally take your place. You stay here, I’ll go to college for you. That’s negotiable, Annie. Think about it.”

She took a dramatic bite.

“Nice try,” Annie said, laughing. “Come on, you guys eat up. Mom and I already made breakfast, and I need to get to the airport on time.”

“Oh! Oh!” I said, suddenly alert. “Can I drive?”

Mom didn’t even look up. “Oh no. Absolutely not. You’ll drive us off a cliff, my angel.”

She leaned over and kissed my forehead.

I sighed. “Morning, Mom,” I muttered, sounding like a disappointed three-year-old.

“Morning, my love,” she said warmly. “Now listen up, girls.....”

Her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen. “Oh. I’ve gotta take this real quick. Hello?” She walked out of the kitchen mid-sentence.

I rolled my eyes. “That has to be that Victor-man person.”

“Guys,” Annie said, grabbing her bag, excitement and nerves mixing in her voice. “Come on. Let’s go!”

And just like that, the moment was here.

___________________________________________________________

(My phone started ringing again buzzing nonstop in my lap like it had something to prove.)

Mom glanced at it through the rearview mirror.

“Um… are you going to check who that is, Lils?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I sighed. “It’s Kevin.” I rolled my eyes.

Mom perked up instantly. “Okayyy… I’ve never heard of a Kevin before. Is he cute?” She smiled wide, clearly invested.

“Mom,” I warned. “Don’t.”

Annie cleared her throat dramatically. “Alright, let me break it down for you, Mother.

She sat up straighter. “Kevin is soooo into our dearest sister and your lovely daughter, Lily Pooles. But Lily has zero capital ZERO interest in this guy, and he still refuses to back off.”

Vivi snorted. “He even wrote her a love letter once.”

Mom gasped. “How am I the only one who doesn’t know about Kevin, huh? So I’m being left out on all the tea now?”

I shrugged. “I mean… you do spend most of your time with Victor, so yeah you’ve missed a lot.” I glanced at my phone again. “Plus, Kevin just wants to know if I’m going to Brianna’s party.”

“And you’re not,” Mom said immediately.

Annie raised an eyebrow. “What about Vivi?”

Vivi blinked. “What about me?”

“Vivi can go,” Mom said. “No drunk driving, though.”

“I’m not even interested in going anyway,” I added quickly. “But hey I’ll be your sober driver, innit?” I smiled sweetly.

Vivi placed a hand over her heart and bowed dramatically in her seat.

“As always, my good man.”

The car filled with laughter, the airport signs getting closer with every mile.

We’re here,” Mom said, pulling the car to a stop.

The words landed heavier than I expected.

Vivi leaned forward between the seats, already smirking. “Oh my God. Ann-bug is about to cry mych.”

Annie scoffed. “Shut up, Vivi. If anyone’s gonna cry, it’ll be you and Mom.” She glanced at me. “Lily? …Not quite sure.” She laughed.

“Oh, thank God,” I said. “You know me so well.”

Mom sighed, reaching for the door handle. “Alright, girls. Help her get her bags.”

The trunk popped open. The airport buzzed around us rolling suitcases, announcements echoing overhead, people hugging like they’d rehearsed it.

Annie stood there for a second, gripping the strap of her bag.

“So…” she said quietly. “I guess this is it, right?”

Vivi snorted. “Bitch, you’re going to New York. Not dying.”

I laughed. “Yeah, stop talking like you’re in the final scene of a movie. ‘This is it, guys.’ Relax.”

Annie burst out laughing, wheezing a little. “Oh my God, you’re so stupid.”

Then her laughter faded.

“I really am going to miss you guys,” she said softly. “Like… for real.”

She opened her arms wide. “Come here. Big sister hugs. Now.”

Vivi didn’t hesitate. She stepped in first, hugging Annie tight, face buried in her shoulder like she didn’t want anyone to notice how long she stayed there.

Mom joined next, holding Annie like she was trying to memorize her shape. I watched Mom’s lips tremble just a bit before she pulled back and smiled anyway.

Then it was my turn.

I wrapped my arms around Annie, breathing her in home, familiarity, everything I wasn’t ready to lose yet.

“Go be amazing,” I whispered. “But don’t forget us when you’re all famous and educated.”

She laughed into my shoulder. “Never.”

As she pulled away, I watched her walk toward the entrance, her steps steady, her back straight.

And as Annie disappeared into the crowd, I realized something uncomfortable.

This wasn’t just her leaving.

It was the start of us learning how to let go.

♡

The car felt impossibly quiet after Annie disappeared into the crowd. The usual hum of the engine couldn’t drown out the echo of her laughter, the scent of her backpack, the soft click of her heels on the airport floor.

I leaned back in my seat, staring out the window at the moving city lights, and tried not to think too hard but my mind betrayed me anyway. Ten years. Ten years of shared secrets, late-night giggles, and fights over literally everything. And now… she was gone, at least for a little while. College, New York, flights, airports, and all the promises in between.

I remembered the last time Dad left. Not this “goodbye for a few hours” kind of leaving. I mean the real, tear-stained, hollow feeling kind. The kind that sits in your chest like a heavy stone and refuses to move. And somehow, even though this is just college, I felt that same weight settling in my stomach.

Vivi chattered quietly about who knows what, Mom hummed softly to herself in the driver’s seat, and yet I felt suspended in my own thoughts. I realized something uncomfortable: no one else sees what it really costs. They see Annie boarding a plane, excited and prepared. They see a milestone. But I? I see everything she’s leaving behind and what we’re all leaving behind with her.

I sighed and pressed my hand against the glass. I could almost feel the city lights flickering against my skin, mocking me with their normalcy. Life keeps moving, they seemed to say. You keep moving. And maybe I could but right now, I didn’t want to.

I thought about all the small things I’d miss: the way Annie always stole the last bite of chocolate cake, how Vivi fakes being “okay” while plotting something ridiculous, the way Mom fusses over us even when we’re barely listening. All these little moments were stitched into my chest, and now they felt like loose threads unraveling.

And yet… there was a strange swell of pride, too. Annie was chasing something bigger than this small bubble we’d built around ourselves. She was brave. She was unstoppable. She was going to college, to New York, to… the rest of her life. And somehow, against my better judgment, I smiled

Because even though letting go hurts, it also means we’re all growing. Even me. Even Vivi. Even Mom, fumbling with her coffee cup like nothing matters but somehow everything does.

I leaned my head against the window and closed my eyes. The city lights blurred into streaks of white and gold, and for a brief moment, I let myself feel all of it: the ache, the pride, the humor, the chaos, the love.

Everyone sees the progress. No one sees the cost.

And maybe that’s the point.