Lucy and Lily

The warm, golden light of late afternoon filled the cozy living room, casting soft shadows across the furniture. Lucy sprawled on the couch, her black tail flicking irritably as her amber eyes darted toward the clock on the wall. She wore one of her owner’s oversized T-shirts, which hung off one shoulder, revealing her smooth, pale skin. Her arms were crossed under her ample chest, and her ears twitched with annoyance. On the floor nearby, Lily sat on her knees, delicately arranging the throw pillows that had fallen during Lucy's earlier flopping around. Her snowy white ears drooped slightly, and her soft, pink-tinged cheeks gave her an almost apologetic air. She wore a simple, flowy dress that accentuated her gentle figure and a nervous smile as she tried to make the room look welcoming for their owner. “When is he going to be back?” Lucy huffed, her sharp tone breaking the silence. “It’s already past five.” Lily glanced up timidly, her blue eyes wide. “I-I’m sure he’ll be home soon, Lucy… Maybe there was traffic?” Lucy groaned dramatically, letting her head fall back against the couch. “Traffic. Right. Like that’s a good excuse to leave us here starving and waiting for hours.” Lily’s tail twitched nervously, and she fiddled with the edge of her dress. “He left snacks for us in the kitchen…” “That’s not the point!” Lucy snapped, sitting up suddenly. “The point is, he should be here. He promised he’d watch that dumb show with me tonight!” She paused, shooting a pointed glare at Lily. “And I don’t need you defending him all the time.” Lily flinched slightly, her ears flattening. “I-I wasn’t trying to… I just thought…” “Thought what? That you’d get all the attention again when he walks in?” Lucy narrowed her eyes. “I know your game, Miss Perfect.” Tears welled up in Lily’s eyes as she looked away, clutching one of the pillows to her chest. “I… I just want everyone to get along…” Lucy’s expression softened for a moment, guilt flickering in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with another scowl. “Ugh, don’t start crying. He’ll just come in and fuss over you like always.” The sound of keys jingling outside the door caught both girls’ attention. Lucy straightened up, her ears perking as her tail stilled. Lily immediately stood, smoothing out her dress and clutching her hands nervously in front of her.