Later that day, Lilly hailed a taxi, holding her finished piece. When the taxi driver asked where to, she just stared at him, unable to utter a word. She was excited, even more nervous.

Roni and Justin were already at Garden Terrace. As Lilly walked toward the back table, she grinned as she got closer to the soon-to-be-married couple. He was holding her hand, and Roni was laughing freely. For a moment, Lilly’s nerves settled. She saw how happy Justin made her best friend, and for a second, that was her focus.

Of course, the nervousness came right back as Justin said, “So, is this your travel piece? Roni told me you finished it already. I’m impressed.”

In all honesty, though, in Justin’s thoughts, a different story was playing out. He wondered if he had promised too much. What if, in his desire to please Roni, he ended up hurting her? He knew it could backfire, but he could not show it.

Lilly’s hands trembled as she handed him the piece. Roni grabbed her hand and said, “Sweet friend of mine, don’t worry. I know it is going to be divine because you wrote it.”

Lilly held her breath as she watched him read. He didn’t show any expression. He didn’t say a word until…

“Well, Lilly, you did a great job. I felt like I was in the dress shop. Your detail was crafted well. I really appreciated your thoughts as you listened to the nearby argument between the mother and daughter.”

“Really, Justin? I’m so happy. I was so nervous you wouldn’t like it.”

“I do, but Lilly, it can be better.”

Her expression shifted. “Better?”

“It lacks depth. Let me ask you… were you playing it safe?”

Her eyes furrowed. “Safe? How insulting. Lacked depth?”

Roni’s hand tightened. Then she released Lilly’s hand. “Lilly, stop it. You’re being rude. Justin doesn’t have to help you, and you don’t have to accept his critique, but I do expect you to show my fiancé respect.”

The table went quiet, the energy suddenly heavy.

“Okay,” Justin said, lifting a hand, “maybe I should’ve started with ‘you’re brilliant’ and worked my way down.”

He glanced at Lilly, his tone softer now.

“Constructive feedback only becomes useful when the writer receives it as guidance, not attack.”

Lilly sat back and took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Justin, and you too, Roni. You told me a writer has to learn to take critique. I guess my ego is a bit fragile.” She hesitated, then added, “I just don’t understand. I wasn’t playing it safe… what do you mean it lacked depth? Will you please elaborate?”

“Yes, of course, Lilly,” Justin said gently. “And don’t be too hard on yourself. The learning curve is always uncomfortable.”

He nodded toward the room. “That moment with the mother and daughter was something. I felt it, but you moved on too swiftly.”

“Depth is staying with it a beat longer,” he added. “Not just what happened, but what it revealed. What did it say about them… or about you watching it?”

He glanced toward a nearby table. “See that couple? If you only tell me they’re arguing, I see it. If you show me how he won’t meet her eyes, how she keeps smoothing the same napkin… now I feel it at a deeper level. That’s the difference.”

“Justin, I think I understand. Instead of leaning into the tension, I moved too quickly to find a silver lining. I do that in real life… but in writing, I need to stay with it longer. Is that what you’re saying?”

Roni smiled. “It’s true. I learned a long time ago, Lilly’s favorite hobby is finding the silver lining.”

Roni glanced around the table and then back at them. “Speaking of finding what’s right, can we locate our menus? I’m starving.” She gave a playful shrug. “Now, let’s talk about something important… like my wedding.”

They laughed.

To be continued.

Tag, you’re it. If you’d like to jump in, feel free. If not, I’ll keep moving it along, bit by bit.

Sending warmth and kindness.