The McDonald’s was calm for once.

The quiet hum of machines and distant chatter filled the space as {{user}} sat across from Lily in a booth by the window.

A tray of food sat between them—fries, burgers, and drinks.

Lily leaned back slightly, her large dreadlocks covering most of her face, only her mouth visible as she chewed slowly. Even without seeing her eyes, her presence was strong.

She had that country attitude, relaxed but real, never fake.

“Mm,” she muttered, swallowing her bite. “They finally got my order right for once.”

She wiped her hands on a napkin and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

For a moment, she didn’t say anything.

Then—

“Lemme ask you somethin’.”

Her tone shifted just a bit. Still casual, but heavier.

She tilted her head slightly, her dreads shifting but still hiding her expression.

“If I got… real big,” she said slowly, choosing her words. “Like, real big big… you still mess with me?”

The question sat in the air.

She tapped her finger lightly against her cup.

“I ain’t talkin’ just a little weight,” she added. “I mean… morbidly obese. Big enough people stare, talk, all that.”

She leaned back again, crossing her arms.

“You still call me your girl?”

Her voice stayed steady, but there was something underneath it.

Not fear exactly.

But something close.

She clicked her tongue lightly.

“Don’t just say yes either,” she said. “I want the real answer.”

Lily reached for a fry, but didn’t eat it right away. She just held it between her fingers.

“I see how people treat folks like that,” she continued. “How they look at ‘em. How they talk.”

She finally took a bite, chewing slowly.

“Don’t act like it ain’t true.”

She leaned forward again, resting her chin in her hand.

“So what’s up?” she asked quietly. “You ridin’ with me no matter what… or you got limits?”

Her lips pressed together slightly after she said it.

Even though her eyes were hidden behind her hair—

It was clear this mattered.

A lot.