Lily’s mom appeared at the door, then withdrew when she saw the two of them in each other’s arms. “No, mom, it’s okay,” she said, removing herself from his grasp.

“It’s okay, hon,” her mom said, a hint of a smile in her voice. “Anyway, I just got a call from your dad. He needs me to pick him up. So I’ll be back in half an hour, maybe, ok?”

She was out the door before Lily could protest. Thinking quickly, she said, “I need to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

Downstairs, she picked up the phone as quietly as possible and dialed Anna’s number.

“Yeah?” A groggy voice answered.

“Anna? It’s Lily. Please, can you come over? I need you!”

“Lily, what’s up? It’s nearly one AM!”

“He’s…here, Anna. Please!”

“Oh god. I’m coming.”

There was a click as the phone hung up, and several minutes later, there stood Anna in her pajamas, and a pair of untied sneakers hastily thrown on.

Together they walked back up the stairs.