But there's something holding on

 "I don't even want to think about Halloween," Zoey smiled as she was happy to have someone to go shopping with her. Maddie had decided last minute to tag along, even though Zoey knew she'd had just as long of a day as she had at work. But here they were at Walmart.

Zoey pushed on with the shopping cart. "I gotta get started with Christmas shopping."

Of course, there were lots of choices from cozy kits to make-your-own to goodie boxes. But she didn't like anything she spotted. 

Naturally, Maddie was a closed mouth.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Zoey looked back at Maddie, hoping she'd give her some insight into what Boone's mother would like for the holidays, but she was no help at all. 

"Oh, it's nothing," Maddie hugged herself in her library outfit which was no more than a bulky sweater and maxi skirt. 

"I don't think so," Zoey looked her over. She knew the waif of a girl wasn't sick. She was with her when she got her flu and COVID shot. They'd gone together a few weeks ago. She'd been much more friendly then. As if she was in heaven with Boone, but now she looked withdrawn and as if she was sad about something.

"Well," Maddie sighed, ever so straight-lipped.

"Well?"

"Oh, it's just..I found out that Lily is back."

Maddie nursed her bottom lip as if she were the one in trouble.

"Lily?" Zoey couldn't help but laugh. "How could you be worried about that?"

"I don't know," Maddie winced. 

"I doubt she and Boone have anything to say to each other," Zoey told her they were done.

"OK, you're right," but Maddie looked worried. 

"Have you two talked?" Zoey felt they were at a standstill in a sea of people who knew what they wanted, unlike her who needed ideas for Christmas presents. She didn't care about Halloween. Thanksgiving would be a chore. She wanted to just sleep through Black Friday. But she had to remember, there were presents she needed for work, too. 

She trudged on. She felt bad for Maddie, but she needed to snap out of it.

"I haven't mentioned it to Boone about Lily and..and he hasn't said anything." Maddie marched on as if she'd have nothing to do with anything. 

And then she found the electric kettle. It was a Drew Berrymore signature item. 

"I have to get this for Boone." She picked up the kettle at the display.

"You already have one," Zoey said.

"Well, not in this color," she said he would love this color which was neon green.

"Good, get it." Zoey had learned that if you see it, and want it bad enough, buy it. You might never be this way again.