“Zory! Let’s go already,” Lillia whined. “We’re going to miss the whole Crater Day picnic if you don’t hurry up.” Lillia was in go mode. Zory… was not. Let’s get this straight. Lillia had been on the planning committee. She had been on the pre-planning committee. Lillia was not about to be late for this thing.

“Zory! Come on.” Zory was not responding. Zory wasn’t even there. Lillia hurled the quilts aside in exasperation and drew in a quick breath.

“What… what’s going on here?” Lillia ran downstairs, where Zory was nonchalantly packing a bag.

“Oh, hey Lillia! Nice of you to come see me on your big day.” Zory was smirking.

“Zory, how can you be so calm! This day is the greatest day to ever day. It’s Crater Day.” Lillia was practically bursting, even jumping up and down in one place for a moment before pacing hurriedly around Zory to push her out the door. “Let’s go, go, go!”

“Calm your flankor. We shouldn’t even celebrate this day. We should be taking it a bit more seriously. This should be a day of education and learning, not picnicking and running around like a maniac.” Zory protested as she was escorted out the door.

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“Finally,” Lillia sighed. “We made it outside the house. I don’t even want to hear what you left behind today. It isn’t going to be more important than making it on time for the opening ceremony.” Lillia waited a moment for emphasis.

“I’m a part of the opening ceremony. I’ve got to get there now.”

Zory rolled her eyes. “You go on ahead, I promise I won’t miss it. There’s something I’ve got to pick up from the store across the flameway.”

Lillia stopped moving and was completely still for the first time that day.

“Do you promise?” she asked earnestly.

“I promise,” Zory replied in turn.

Lillia resumed her hyperactive movements in glee, wriggling and squirming so much it seemed like if she was any happier her body wouldn’t be able to take it.

“I’ll see you there!” Lillia yelled as she ran off.

Zory shook her head. She probably would get there on time. It was only a five minute walk to the park, and it started in an hour. Lillia was just being extra spicy today. Zory walked back to her front door, locked it, and hefted her bag full of supplies onto her back. She made her way past the store across the way, knowing Lillia was too far away to look back and check. No, Zory had not forgotten anything today. That was new for her, but today was too important to make silly mistakes. Lillia was right. This would be the greatest day to ever day. Not because of the celebration, but because of the protest.