(Notes for my own book)

Through out the story, Lily never feels alone in her struggles. Family, friends and her partner are always there, and they understand that it's hard what she's going through; but they never give up on her.

Eventually, Lily is ready to move on with her life only because of that

Lily's and Comet's dynamic is familial. They are an aunt and a niece, but in each stage of their lives always called each other "sister". Lily has a lot of mixed feelings, but she never once took them out on Comet. She tries to be the best "sister" she can be; and that nurtering sometimes can end up being seem as overbearing. That's where Scarlet comes into picture, stopping Lily in her tracs and saying "Hey, a little rebellion is required".

Comet doesn't grieve about her mother. She never met her; and it's hard for her to feel sad that someone she didn't even know is gone. She has Lily, and for her, that is more than enough.

Sometimes it's a little weird, and hard — when everyone around her thinks she is SUPPOSED to be sad about it.

Sometimes she feels guilty she isn't.

Scarlet in not only a parent, or an aunt, figure – she is also a friend, and a safe space for both girls. For about half the book, Scarlet is mainly looking after Lily, pushing her to go outside and have fun. She offers guidance and understanding without the pressure that often accompanies family dynamics. Scarlet is not an actual blood relative, nor did she raise Lily and Comet from their first days – she sees then as people with their own issues, and tries to help.

She also watches over Comet while Lily is at school.

At some point it becomes clear that Scarlet unintentionally neglected Comet in her attempts to pull Lily out of her grief; and they try to fix it by sending Scarlet and Comet on an adventure alone while Lily is in school.

Lily's queer-platonic relationship with Anita highlights how love can manifest in non-romantic forms. They don't need to kiss, or do anything beyond that – sometimes it's enought to just lay together, cuddle, and watch a movie. Their relationship in the book will show that type of emotional intimacy that doesn't require traditional romantic gestures.

///

As an aromantic myself, it feels a little weird when people are SO REACTIVE about characters in media/any story kissing… Like, I understand, but also… no, not really. I was never particularly exited about it.

So, in this story… I don’t think they will ever kiss "for real". Forehead kisses, or just a small one on the creek is fine; cuddling is fine, even an "I love you". But I really don't want any of the characters to kiss