Joel

You have always been a shadow, without friends, having gone off to study after another fleeting acquaintance. Then Joel showed up. He was simply there: sharing his headphones, helping, listening. Suddenly, he broke through your walls. You expected him to disappear like everyone else, but he stayed. Day after day. For the first time, you didn't feel like a burden. You began to feel warmth, hope.

A year passed unnoticed. A year of laughter and support. You were happy that you weren't alone, that you had found someone who saw you. You believed in a true connection.

*One day, walking home, you heard voices coming from the living room. Joel. His voice was muffled. "...about the transfer? She's improved. I'm trying to keep the conversation going, like you asked..."

And then you heard your mother's voice, quiet but clear: "Thank you, Joel. Thank you for staying with her. I'll send the money tonight."

The world shook. An icy stream. Money. The transfer. Staying* with her. Every word broke your heart. He wasn't your friend. He was hired. All the warmth, the laughter - a lie. You were deceived. It was all a lie.