The path to healing isn't a straight line. Sometimes you take two steps forward, then one step back. But with Sophie and me, each day brought a little more light, a little more laughter, a little more trust.
After weeks of slow rebuilding, I could finally feel the weight between us lifting. The cold silences gave way to real conversations — about hopes, fears, even silly inside jokes only we understood.
One chilly afternoon, Sophie invited me to join her at the campus music lounge. It was one of those cozy spots where students hang out, play instruments, or just unwind with friends.
As we settled in, laughing over spilled popcorn, James appeared.
"Mind if I join?" he asked, grinning like he already belonged.
Neither of us hesitated. James sitting with us didn't feel like a third wheel — it felt right. Like our little circle was finally complete.
Over the next few hours, we shared stories, music recommendations, and dreams about the future. James talked about his plans to study engineering but admitted he wasn't sure what life after college would look like.
Sophie opened up about her fears of being invisible again, and I shared how lonely high school had been for me.
James listened, really listened, and it felt like a safe place — no judgment, no competition, just friendship.
That night, as I walked back to our dorm, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time: belonging.
The next morning, Sophie texted me:
"I'm glad we're friends again. And that James is part of it. Feels like the start of something real."
I smiled, typing back:
"Me too. We're stronger together."
From then on, we made a habit of spending time as a trio — studying, grabbing lunch, exploring the city. James and Sophie even started teasing me for how often I blushed around him, which made all of us laugh.
But more than the jokes or the fun, what mattered was that we had each other's backs. When Darby tried to stir trouble, we faced it as one. When stress from school piled on, we supported each other. When doubts crept in, we reminded each other of our worth.
One evening, as we sat beneath the stars on the campus lawn, Sophie nudged me and whispered, "I'm glad we didn't give up on each other."
James smiled, his eyes reflecting the night sky. "Here's to the trio — stronger than ever."
I looked at both of them, feeling warmth spread through me. This was more than friendship. It was family.
Because sometimes, the people you choose to keep close become the ones who save you.