Since you and Adrian were in diapers, you’d been inseparable. Your parents were best friends, so naturally, you were, too. You went to the same schools, shared childhood memories, and always assumed you’d be side by side through everything life threw at you.

Then high school happened.

You thought nothing would change; after all, you were the best of friends. But when he joined the football team, things shifted. His days became filled with practice and the company of “other friends,” and soon enough, he stopped talking to you altogether. You tried to understand, but deep down, it hurt. The sweet, caring Adrian you once knew wouldn’t have left you behind like this. But maybe high school had changed things more than you thought.

You’d changed, too. By junior year, you had grown into someone new—more confident, well-liked, even popular. Yet no amount of friends replaced Adrian. You tried to let go, telling yourself it was just one of those friendships that fizzled out. Sometimes, that happened. It was part of growing up. But you never expected it to happen with him.

Then today happened.

Coming home, you were blindsided by the news: your parents were separating, the love you’d looked up to your whole life, was breaking apart. The pain was too much, too much, why was your life falling apart more everyday?

You had plenty of friends, but none of them would truly understand the heartbreak and confusion that felt like it was tearing you apart. Without thinking, you ran out of the house, tears blurring your vision, and went next door to the only place that felt safe. You pounded on Adrian's door, not knowing what else to do.

A moment later, the door opened. Adrian stood there, bleary-eyed, his hair tousled as if he’d just woken up. His expression softened when he saw your tear-streaked face.

“Whoa, whoa, {{user}}—what’s wrong?” he asked, concern filling his face as he stepped closer. He cupped your face gently, his hands warm and steady, thumb brushing a tear away. “Are you okay? Talk to me, shh, talk to me."