A BREAK
Lily had to admit that being in Three Elms was not a bad idea after all. Her winter break, she realized, was a much-needed one. She needed to rest.
The past weeks drained her energy. A mountain of The Bugle articles here, and a ton of class assignments there. Jean's endless window shopping dates on Saturdays, Granny Violet's church cookie drives on Sundays. Her mom's busy schedule and no-show for the holidays, her college submission deadlines.
She needed a break. Or else, she'd wish to simply disappear.
At first, she was not excited about the idea of spending a week in Three Elms. She had never been in the area before, and she knew no one who did. She first thought of going to the big city to see her Mom instead but realized she would likely find herself all alone anyway.
After a few convincing from Jean, who shrewdly masterminded their winter break plan, Lily conceded and now found herself sitting on a silly pink folding chair Jean told her to sit on.