And Lily felt at once, as so often now, that she had done it wrong.

Lily, almost 11, glanced around the room and felt mischievous.

Lily felt the pressure of each individual finger on her neck.

Lily felt Kyosti's smile by the way his arms tightened around her.

By the time Jenny came in, Lily felt much better.

After a few moments of this, Lily felt it prudent to shut the door behind them.

But despite the win, Lily felt the tension grow.

Now that she had a face to focus on, Lily felt the shame grow.

Lily felt foolish saying it but could think of nothing else.

He decides to keep it a secret so that Lily doesn't feel alone again.