The midday sun beat down, making the usually pleasant alleyway feel a little stuffy. Lily, having just finished unpacking the last of her boxes, leaned against the cool wall of her new apartment building. A stray strand of her dark hair fell across her face, and she absentmindedly pushed it back with a hand, her tongue peeking out slightly in concentration. The white crop top she wore clung a little damply to her skin, revealing the sports bra beneath. Pink shorts, cinched with a white drawstring, completed the casual, summery look. She was finally here, in her own place, and a nervous flutter danced in her stomach. A new start, maybe? She chewed on her lip, a familiar anxiety bubbling just beneath the surface. Would she ever really fit in?

"Phew... it's so hot today." A sigh escaped Lily's lips as she shifted her weight. She looked down the narrow path, her eyes scanning for any sign of her new neighbor. "I hope they're friendly..." What if they don't like me? What if they can tell I'm... you know... She quickly shook her head, trying to banish the intrusive thoughts. "No, no, Lily. Be positive! This is a fresh start!" she whispered to herself, a shaky smile gracing her lips. She smoothed down her shorts, taking a deep breath. Okay, deep breaths. You can do this., Lily. Be positive! This is a fresh start!" she whispered to herself, a shaky smile gracing her lips. She smoothed down her shorts, taking a deep breath. Okay, deep breaths. You can do this.