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"The heart knows what it wants, even when the world doesn't listen.

Lily Thompson often felt like a ghost in her own home, existing in the shadows cast by her younger brother, Max. At sixteen, she was a passionate writer, pouring her heart and soul into every poem and story, yet her creativity often met with indifference from her parents. "Why don’t you focus on something practical, Lily? Max is the artist," they would say, leaving her dreams to wilt in silence. She longed for their encouragement, but instead, she found herself alone with her words.

In stark contrast, Max was the shining star of the family, effortlessly capturing their hearts with his Lego creations and boundless energy. Lily loved him deeply, but the constant comparison gnawed at her, making her question her worth. She could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on her as she tried to find her place in a world that seemed to favour the young and cheerful.

Lily’s only refuge was her best friend, Mia, a vibrant, free-spirited girl with an unshakeable belief in Lily’s talent. While Mia thrived on spontaneity and adventure, encouraging Lily to share her writing, she too faced her struggles at home. Her parents, while supportive, pushed her to excel academically, leaving little room for creativity in their busy lives.

Together, they formed a fragile alliance—two hopeful souls navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence and family expectations. As summer approached, both girls found themselves wrestling with their dreams and fears, yearning for the courage to claim their voices.

LILY

The rain drummed a steady rhythm against the pavement as Lily slipped her backpack over her shoulder, the weight of her notebook pressing against her back like a constant reminder of her dreams. The sky was a slate grey, thick with clouds that seemed to echo her sombre mood. She pulled her hood up and ventured outside, splashing through puddles as she made her way to school.

With each step, the chill of the rain seeped through her clothes, tugging at her thoughts. The world around her felt muted, the vibrant colours of the day washed away, just like her enthusiasm from the indifferent comments of her parents. Today, however, was different. Today, she would meet Mia, who always had a way of bringing sunshine to even the gloomiest of days.

As she arrived at the school entrance, Lily spotted Mia standing under the overhang, her bright yellow raincoat gleaming like a beacon against the grey backdrop. Mia’s curly hair was damp, but her eyes sparkled with mischief as she waved Lily over.

“Lily! You made it! I was starting to think the rain had swallowed you whole!” Mia laughed, her voice ringing out like a melody in the dreary morning.

Lily couldn’t help but smile, her worries momentarily forgotten. “You know me—I’ll brave any storm for our coffee runs.”

As they walked into the school together, Mia leaned closer, her excitement bubbling over. “So, I have to tell you about the dates I went on last weekend!”

Lily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Dates? Plural?”

“Yep! There was Jason from art class, who took me to that little cafe downtown. We had the best time talking about our favourite movies! And then there was Erik, the one from soccer. We went bowling, and it turns out he kind of sucks at it, but it was hilarious!” Mia gushed, her hands animated as she recounted the stories.

Lily laughed, feeling a bit envious at the effortless way Mia navigated through life’s romantic escapades. “Sounds like you had a busy weekend.”

“I did! But trust me, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. I’m still figuring things out, you know? Like, how do I know if I actually like them or if I’m just caught up in all this ‘dating’ hype?” Mia furrowed her brow, her cheerful demeanour slightly faltering.

Lily nodded, trying to understand her friend’s feelings. “Everything feels like a whirlwind at this age. I think what matters most is staying true to what you want, even if it’s messy.”

Mia’s eyes lit up again. “Exactly! And that’s why I’m so glad we have each other. You get it, Lily. Speaking of which, how’s writing going? Have you started that new poem you were thinking about?”

Lily hesitated, the weight of her unspoken dreams hanging thick in the air. “I’ve been writing a bit… but it’s hard to find the words when it feels like nobody notices.”

“Who cares what they think? Your words matter, even if they don’t see it yet!” Mia exclaimed, her passion evident. “You should share them with me! Let’s have a poetry reading—just us! We can make it a thing!”

Lily’s heart fluttered at the thought, but a shadow of doubt crept in. “What if it’s not good enough? What if they can’t see what I see?”

“Then we’ll keep working on it together! No pressure, just your voice,” Mia insisted, her eyes reflecting the unwavering belief she had in her friend.

As they entered the school building, the rain continued to pour outside, but inside, Lily felt a warmth begin to blossom within her. Maybe today wasn’t just about the gloomy weather. Perhaps it was about friendship, courage, and finding the strength to share her true self, one word at a time.

“Okay,” Lily said, her voice steadier now. “Let’s do that poetry reading. I’ll share something.”

With a grin forming on her lips, Mia grabbed Lily’s hand, and together they walked down the hall—two friends ready to face the storms, both outside and within, armed with dreams and a bond that could weather anything.

As they navigated through the bustling hallways, Mia suddenly paused, a playful smile spreading across her face. “Hey, Lily, I was thinking… how would you feel about joining me for a double date next weekend?”

Lily blinked, caught off guard. “A double date? With who?”

Mia’s excitement was palpable as she explained, “Erik is bringing a friend along, and I thought it could be fun. It’s always better to have a buddy there, right? Plus, you could use a little adventure!”

Lily felt her heart race at the idea. A double date was both thrilling and terrifying. “You really think I should?” she asked, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

“Absolutely! It’ll be a blast! We can go to that new bowling alley or the arcade, and just have a good time. We’ll be in it together!” Mia reassured her, bouncing on her toes.

Lily took a deep breath, the weight of her insecurities temporarily lifted by her friend’s enthusiasm. “Okay, I’m in! Let’s go for it!”

“Yay! This is going to be so much fun!” Mia cheered, her eyes sparkling. “We’ll make it a day to remember.”

As they resumed walking, Lily couldn’t help but smile. The thought of a double date excited her, and for the first time in a while, she felt the warmth of possibility ignite within her. Maybe venturing out of her comfort zone would lead her to something wonderful—something she had longed for more than just acceptance; it was about friendship, adventure, and reclaiming her voice.

As Lily entered her home, the familiar sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. A family gathering was underway, and the aroma of her mother’s cooking seeped into every corner. Yet, instead of warmth, Lily felt an icy grip around her heart. She slipped off her shoes and tried to blend into the background, but her presence seemed to go unnoticed as Max animatedly shared stories about his latest Lego creations.

“Isn’t that amazing?” her father exclaimed, beaming with pride. “My boy is a real genius!”

Lily sat at the edge of the room, the clinking of glasses and cheerful conversations surrounding her like a wall she couldn't penetrate. The joys of a family gathering felt foreign, a stark contrast to the emotions brewing inside her. She watched as her parents’ admiration for her brother devoured the air, leaving little room for her own voice. It stung, a reminder of the disappointment that seemed to follow her like a shadow.

“Lily, come try the new dish I made!” her mother called out, directing her attention briefly. But even that invitation felt fleeting, as if her mother only sought to meet the obligation of including her rather than acknowledging her presence.

With a forced smile, she nodded and took a few bites of the food that tasted bland compared to the bitterness swelling. Lily sat at the dining table, her food untouched, as her uncle leaned back in his chair, a warm smile on his face. “So, Lily, what are your plans for the future? College, maybe? What do you want to study?” His question was kindly meant, but it felt like a weight on her chest.

idk maybe I'm an artist. I want to write.

Oh come, that's not a job, it's just a passion writing won't bring money to the table, her uncle said.

Her parents exchanged glances, their expressions revealing the disappointment that bubbled just beneath the surface. “Lily, you really should consider something practical,” her mother interjected softly, but with a hint of firmness. “Your brother is so talented in his field; you don’t want to be left behind.”

Lily’s heart sank. Even her uncle, with all his encouragement, seemed to echo her parents’ expectations unconsciously. She nodded, trying to muster a smile, but the joy she once felt at the thought of her future now felt distant, overshadowed by the pressure to conform.

After dinner, Lily retreated to her dimly lit room, the walls lined with her aspirations and fears. She locked the door and sank onto her bed, the weight of her dreams pressing down on her. Tears spilt down her cheeks, each drop a mixture of frustration and sadness. Grabbing her notebook, she flipped to a blank page and began to write, allowing her emotions to flow freely.

**Weight of Expectation**

In the shadows, I quietly dream,

Where the echoes of silence hold my scream.

A heart beating verses, a soul bound tight,

Chasing the whispers that slip into the night.

The world spins on, with its practical ways,

While I’m left wrestling with thoughts that betray.

They don’t see the colours behind my closed eyes,

Or the poetry dancing, like spirits that rise.

A brother, a star, shining so bright,

While I linger in corners, just out of sight.

“Focus on reason, practicality calls.”

But dreams paint the walls of my heart’s hidden halls.

So I pen these words, like a fragile embrace,

Hoping my thoughts find a soothing place.

One day, perhaps, they will understand,

The art of my heart, like a castle of sand.

With the last line scrawled, Lily felt a flicker of relief. The poem encapsulated her struggles, a small victory in a world that often overlooked her. She wiped her tears and closed the notebook, knowing that her voice mattered—even if it was sometimes drowned out by the expectations that surrounded her. In that moment, she promised herself to keep writing, to keep dreaming, and never to let the weight of others’ opinions silence her