The woman seemed to sense her struggle and offered a comforting look. "Your mother's love is a strong force," she said, her voice as gentle as the swing's movement. "But sometimes, we must find our own adventures, even if they're not the ones we planned."

Lily took a deep breath and found the courage to speak. "It's just not fair," she managed to say. "Everyone's going to be there. And now I'm going to be the only one who isn't." The woman's gaze softened, and she reached over to gently nudge Lily's swing. "Fairness," she mused, "is a fickle thing. It's like chasing a butterfly in a hurricane. Sometimes, you'll catch it, but often, you'll just get swept up in the chaos."

The woman's words hung in the air like a question, and Lily felt a glimmer of curiosity spark in her chest. "What do you mean?" she asked, leaning in slightly. The woman's smile grew wider. "You see, life is...