Once, I was a river, flowing with words—stories, laughter, and whispers of hope. I found joy in sharing my thoughts with everyone around me. But as time unfolded its relentless chapters, the currents of my life began to shift dramatically, revealing the depths of betrayal and the harsh edges of abandonment.

It all started in my early teens, in a small town where friendships were forged over shared secrets and innocent dreams. I was known as the good listener—the one who would drop everything to be there for my friends. It was a role I cherished, a badge of honor. But with each trust I extended, I was unknowingly weaving a delicate tapestry, one that would later unravel in painful ways.

The first significant betrayal came from my childhood best friend, Mia. We grew up in neighboring houses, our lives intertwined like the roots of our favorite trees in the park. I supported her through hardships at home, listened to her dreams, and celebrated her victories. But one day, during a pivotal moment in my own life, I reached out to her, seeking comfort. Instead of the warmth I expected, I found silence. Mia had chosen to distance herself, swept away by new friendships that dimmed the light of our...