In Another Life

With baby Kit tucked safely in bed, Lily wandered out to the patio hoping to spend time with Adam. He sat there on the bench, beer in hand, watching some show on his laptop. Adam didn't look up as Lily sat down across from him. Sadness filled Lily's chest as she gazed at him. She longed deeply to feel heard by him, to feel like he actually cared about her and acknowledged her. Lily pushed aside her neediness. No reason to make Adam feel guilty.  "Kit is sleeping." Lily spoke into the air.  "Uh-huh." Adam looked at her expectantly. Lily didn't really have anything to say. She twisted her thin fingers together. "I washed your uniform today."  Adam paused his show and geared up for a long interruption. Lily sometimes spent awhile talking at him. It felt like she was just bouncing ideas off him, hoping one would stick. "How was your day?" "It was busy. I wanted to get my mind off of it and relax." Adam nodded at the laptop. "Right, I'll go in then." Lily walked in and went to bed. Head hung and still in her day clothes, Lily climbed into bed, clinging to the warmth of the comforter. Her sadness filled her chest. A single tear slid along her nose as she closed her eyes and fell asleep alone.  ******* Lily sat at the table while Ally talked about her day. "Professor Greer made up a whole new assignment today that isn't even on the syllabus!" Ally's bright blue eyes widened in disbelief at her own story. "I mean, seriously! Does he not realize that I already have so much to do?" Lily nodded along. "That is crazy." Ally had such energy that it filled the room. Lily loved listening to her. It kept Lily from having to say anything, just as she liked. Lily liked just being near people, seeing them.  "My parents are coming over for dinner this week, so I am going grocery shopping in a bit, if you want to come too," Lily announced.  "Of course, I have to refill on some snacks for study time later," Ally smiled.  Lily smiled a faint half smile. Something felt incomplete. She had Ally. She had family. She had school. Wasn't that all she needed?