Lily 1

Summary

• Lily reflects on her strained relationship with her father, who always wished for a son and constantly reminded Lily of her disappointment.
• Lily and her mother moved from Point Reyes, California, to New Hampshire the previous summer for a fresh start.
• While moving, Lily struggles with expressing her emotions and thinks about starting anew at her new school despite carrying scars from her past.
• Lily's friend, Asher, promises her a special Christmas gift that he's eager to give her early, fueling her anticipation and curiosity.
• Lily is comfortable with Asher, not minding him seeing the scars on her wrists, a testament to her past struggles.
• Lily admires her mother, who is a tough and skilled park ranger, with special talents and experiences that make her a "badass."
• Lily's mother has replaced her ranger duties with a desk job and appears tired, a change that Lily attributes to their move but wonders if there are other reasons.
• Asher arrives, and Lily rushes outside to a snowy night to meet him, with her mother reminding her about the appropriateness of public behavior.
• Asher's surprise for Lily turns out to be an unexpected meeting with her estranged father at a diner, leaving Lily shocked and hurt.
• Lily escapes the encounter and feels betrayed by Asher, reflecting on the painful memories associated with her father.
• Five days later, Lily is home sick from school and continues to avoid Asher, contemplating how he could have found her father and what could happen next.
• Lily worries about her father's potential presence nearby and confides in her mother about her fears and the encounter he orchestrated.
• Mom comforts Lily and assures her that her father has left town, and they have a heartfelt conversation about happiness and challenges.
• Lily receives a deferred admissions decision from Oberlin, which adds to her troubles and sense of isolation.
• Lily encounters Dirk from the hockey team, who seeks her help with a school assignment and hints at his knowledge of troubles between her and Asher.
• Overwhelmed by stress, Lily considers reaching out to her mother and Asher but feels conflicted and alone.
• Lily's contemplation takes a dark turn as she considers the sharp knives in her kitchen before being interrupted by a persistent visitor at the door.