“Eww. What is she doing here?”

One of Amelia’s friends wrinkled her nose as Lily came into view.

Lily stood near the edge of the garden, small fingers clenched around her rabbit doll. She

wore a white dress dotted with tiny flowers, the hem brushing her knees. She looked out

of place, too quiet, too careful.

Amelia glanced up from the dollhouse.

Their eyes met.

Lily stiffened, then quickly looked away. She turned and hurried toward the house.

“Wait,” Amelia blurted.

Lily stopped.

Slowly, she turned back, eyes wide, shoulders tight. “I…I didn’t know you were here,”

she rushed out. “My mom said I could come out for fresh air....