To Duet With You

"Michael, wait up! Mum says we need to come home together."

"I know, Lily, but you need to keep up."

"I'm trying, but you're way too fast. And besides, why didn’t Dad pick us up today?"

"Because it’s your birthday. Dad is helping Mum at home—I’m sure of it."

"Are you sure? Or is he just in another meeting?"

"I don’t know, Lily. But Mum wants us to take the bus home."

"This birthday is going to suck if Dad isn’t around."

"You invited your friends, right?"

"I’m not like you, Michael. You have friends. You’re smart and cool. But no one wants to be friends with a freak like me."

"That’s not true, Lily. And you need to stop saying things that are way beyond your age."

"Way beyond my age? Michael, I’m turning eleven today. I’m not a child anymore. Complaining about not having friends isn’t something beyond my age."

I sighed in frustration. Why does she always have to be so sharp? It’s always been like this with Lily, and honestly, that’s one of the things I love most about her.

"I’m not saying you can’t talk about school being tough," I explained, "but sometimes, the way you speak makes me feel like I’m talking to my older sister, not my little one."

"Fine," she huffed. "I’ll try to sound my age next time."

I glanced at her, and for the first time today, a smile tugged at my lips. Without a word, I extended my hand toward her. She took it immediately, and warmth filled my chest. She’s been the best little sister—I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her.

"Want me to carry you like I used to?" I teased, the grin still on my face.

Her eyes widened in horror. "What? Hell no! I’m not seven or eight anymore! Besides, the kids at school already pick on me enough."

"Who cares? And they’re not your friends if they pick on you."

"You’re right," she murmured.

Without another word, I scooped her up, laughing as she squealed in protest. But she didn’t fight it—she never really minded. We played all the way home, the worries of the day momentarily forgotten.

The moment we stepped inside, Mum’s warm smile greeted us.

"Hi, sweetie. Happy birthday!"

"Thanks, Mum," Lily beamed. She pecked Mum’s cheek before handing over her school bag.

"How was your day at school, dear?"

"It was fine, Mum," she answered, but I caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Not wanting her to dwell on it, Mum distracted her with her favorite cookie and a milkshake. Taking the chance, I asked quietly, "Is Dad joining us for the birthday party?"

"I don't know… He said he would be here, but you know how it is—he never makes it."

"She really wants him here today. She said it doesn’t feel like her birthday if Dad isn’t around."

"You know how much Lily loves her father. But we’ll have to wait and see. Go get ready and come down for some snacks.

I had wanted to invite a few friends, but none of them could make it. Besides, this wasn’t really a big gathering—just a small family celebration"

"I get it, Mum. You don’t have to explain."

"Did Lily invite anyone?"

"No… She said she doesn’t have any friends yet."

Mum sighed, a trace of sadness in her expression. "Don’t worry too much. I’m sure she’ll come around in time."

"I don’t think so, Mum. Most of her classmates pick on her. I’m worried. I’ll be leaving high school for college soon. How is she going to cope without me looking out for her?"

Mum's eyes softened with concern. "I don’t know, son. I just don’t know."

Looking into her sad eyes, I realized this was just as hard for her. My gaze drifted to the dining table, where Lily was happily shoveling cookies into her mouth, completely oblivious to our worries.

"You want some?" she asked, noticing me staring.

I forced a smile. "No, enjoy yourself."

She grinned and kept eating.

Mum touched my shoulder. "Go get ready. We’ll wait a little longer for your dad. Lily, come with me—I have a little gift for you upstairs."

As Mum led Lily away, I went up to my room to change.

Lily’s POV: