Maya had been a force of nature in Jaden’s life, but lately, she had become distant. She still called, still checked in, but there was a noticeable space between them. Jaden couldn’t put his finger on it, but it felt like she was waiting for him to catch up.

One evening, after a long silence between them, Maya came over to his apartment. She was quieter than usual, sitting on the couch with her legs tucked under her.

“I’ve been thinking,” she said, breaking the silence. “You’ve been doing the work, Jaden. I can see it. But I also need to tell you something. I can’t be the person you lean on all the time. You’ve got to start leaning on yourself.”

Jaden nodded, his heart sinking a little. He knew she was right, but it felt like the foundation of their friendship was shifting. Maya wasn’t just a companion anymore—she was someone who had helped him see the world differently. And that scared him.

“I get it,” Jaden replied, his voice quieter than usual. “I’m trying. But it’s hard.”

Maya smiled softly. “It’s always going to be hard, Jaden. But you’ll get there. And when you do, you’ll be okay.”

The conversation left him feeling unsettled, but also determined. He realized Maya wasn’t leaving him—she was pushing him to grow. And though it stung, he knew she was right. It was time to face the world without hiding behind the things that had kept him safe.