Closed I’m Sorry Doesn’t Cut It

Lars felt dread pooling in his stomach as he stood in front of Lily's door. He wanted to be there for her, but he also wasn't sure if he could actually be of any help. He had brought a basket full of things she liked, snacks and a few books, but he knew it wouldn't do anything to help. He couldn't imagine losing any of his sisters and couldn't imagine what Lily was going through. But he was her friend and he wanted to support her. So even though he had no idea what to do or say, here he was. He rang the doorbell, then tried to peek inside. "Lily? It's me." He called.

Apparently Lily's idea of coping was just to bake. Though it was all kind of pointless- she had shut the shop down for a little while to try and deal with her grief. She didn't have anyone else to help her run it, after all. But maybe she should open it sooner than she wanted to- her kitchen was full to bursting with the treats she'd been making, spilling over every available surface she had. She was stirring a new batch of batter in her arms now, having nowhere left to even put the bowl. She'd have to start stacking treats soon- but maybe she could buy more room and more time by building gift baskets. No sooner had the idea crossed her mind than she heard a knock on the door.

Lily moved woodenly to open it, not caring how much of a mess she was- her hair held in a messy bun with a wooden spoon, flour on her face, bags under her eyes from where she hadn't been sleeping, her stomach growling with all the sweet smells in protest of having not eaten in... however long. She opened the door, mixing bowl still in one arm, looking out a little blankly at her friend. "Lars?" She asked softly, not really registering his presence. She stepped back automatically, letting him inside. "Have some treats," She murmured absently, walking back into the kitchen, pouring the batter into the baking pans that were waiting, ready, on the open oven door.

Lars wasn't sure what state he would find Lily in and he braced himself as the door opened. But she wasn't crying as he had expected. She looked... numb. He stared at her for a moment, then shook his head and followed her inside, the door closing behind him. "Hey, Lily. Put that down, please." He said, trying to move in front of her so they could be face to face., watching in alarm as she poured batter in baking pans like some sort of baking robot. "Hold on for a moment." He said, gently putting his hand on her arm. "Put down the batter, Lily." He said a little more firmly.

Lily stopped as Lars intervened, looking up to him. She stilled- not moving away, though also not continuing. "But... I should work?" She offered, voice soft. If she was working, she was doing something, and that was a good thing. Her eyes misted over and she reached up to rub her hand over them. "I should... open the bakery?" She tried instead, even as she made no effort to attempt to do so. Instead, she just reached to the mountains of baked goods nearly overflowing her kitchen, plucking one and bringing it back to hold out in offering. "It's your favorite," She managed. Baking was perhaps the only thing she was good at, and she was clinging to it fiercely.