I never thought this would happen. Hello — I’m Grace, and I have a best friend called Lily. Lily and I have known each other since first grade; we always did everything together, and I thought we would stay that way forever. Last Sunday I went to a café with Lily and saw one of my friends whom Lily didn't know. I thought to myself, “I should probably introduce her to Lily.” But that was a big mistake that taught me something about life.
November 9, 2025
“Grace! Grace! You won't believe what I found yesterday!” Lily shouted. I noticed the whole café looked our way. “You should maybe keep your voice down a bit — there are people here. But what is it? I want to know,” I said happily.
“So, yesterday I got my nails done, a new bag, and a dog! Can you believe it?” she said excitedly, showing me her new bag and nails. The nails were so beautiful and glossy, and her bag was a brand-new Chanel. “I can't believe you actually got it—” I was about to finish my sentence when somebody spoke from behind me. “Oh hey, Grace! Long time no see.” I was really shocked to see her; we hadn't seen each other since middle school. “Ella! It’s so good to see you again! This is my friend Lily,” I said. “Lily, this is Ella.”
It was great seeing Ella — really. She's pretty, nice, helpful, and much more than I can list. I didn't expect her and Lily to change so much once they started being friends. I get that people will change in life: some because of their mental health, some because they want to, or maybe because of the people they hang around. Everybody has their reasons.
November 12, 2025
“No messages from Lily today? That's weird.” I was confused — maybe worried. “She would usually bomb my whole phone with messages.” This was a really strange morning. “Maybe she didn't wake up?” I thought, so I decided to text her.
Grace: “Hey! How are you doing?”
Two hours later
Grace: “Text me when you can, okay?”
Three days later
She didn't answer me for three days straight. I was worried about her and thought something had happened, but in the end she replied and just said, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Grace — I was with Ella!” I brushed it off this time because she is my best friend and I allow her to have friends; she has her own life, after all.
November 27, 2025
Lily finally remembered I existed and asked me to hang out with her. But when I came over, she kept talking about Ella. She was mad at her. Lily looked like she was going to cry while speaking. “I’m so mad at her! How dare she!” She kept yelling and crying to me for hours. I kept listening and comforting her until Ella texted that she was sorry and Lily started texting her. Again. I was slumped on the couch, staring at my shoes. So I went home feeling hurt and disappointed. That same night she texted me again and invited me to go out tomorrow with her and Ella. I agreed, even though a part of me wanted to say no but didn't know how.
The next morning I looked like I hadn't slept for days: my eyes were bloodshot red, I had heavy bags under my eyes, and my hair was messy and tangled. I needed to spend two hours on my hair, one hour on makeup, and then wait another hour for them to pick me up. My car had broken down some days ago. Lucky me. When they came, Lily ignored me the whole ride, and Ella only spoke when Lily was on her phone. At that moment I realized maybe I should start hanging out with other people. Not everything has to be about Lily. The hangout was boring for me; while they did things, I stayed in the corner, either looking at my phone, checking my nails, or zoning out. After hours they finally took me home, and I could enjoy the comfort of my soft, big bed.
December 31, 2025
I was out with my friends; I had totally forgotten about Lily. My life was a lot better — I smiled more, went out, and even found a partner. Today at 21:00 my friends and I will go to a New Year's party. I could not wait — especially since I have new friends: Luna, Jade, Ivy, and Felix.
Jade and Ivy were arguing about what colors everyone should wear so we could match. “Grace’s color is blue, mine is green, yours is pink. Luna is purple and Felix needs to wear red!” Jade yelled, and Ivy responded, “No! I want my color to be green! You wear pink!” It was like watching two toddlers fight.
23:30
We were having so much fun — dancing, sharing what we expect from 2026 — and Jade and Ivy weren't fighting for once in their lives. But I don't expect anyone to be perfect; nobody is. I loved them for who they are, and I always will. And then suddenly I heard Felix scream, “A spider!!!” He screamed like a girl when he saw a little spider. Luna had to kill the spider for him; he was being paranoid but it was funny. “It was just a little spider,” Luna said while fixing her wavy black hair. Soon it was midnight, and I saw somebody I thought I would not see anymore.
00:00
I saw Lily and Ella. Lily seemed even more different than before: she had dyed her hair blue and had piercings. But I realized it might be for the best that we aren't friends anymore. Nothing lasts forever, and I had to accept that. Nobody stays the same forever — people change. Accepting people's decisions and changes is far more important than forcing them to be the same forever. But an even more important thing is accepting yourself. You are who you are, the ones that are right for you will accept you for who you are.