My life can be divided into stages, and the first one — up to 22 years old — was the most "normal."

Born, grew up, studied: not a straight-A student, but not a slacker either. An average guy who was often the center of the group. We hung out late into the night, joked, shared secrets. The girls in our crew adored me — for the humor, for listening, maybe for something else; even I don't quite understand why I sparked such interest in them.

Especially my best friend from childhood. She was the one I shared everything with: from silly adventures to deep talks. And yes, she wanted more — a relationship with me. I felt it in her looks, in how she'd linger after hangouts, and even she made it clear directly.

But... I didn't want to. At all. Not because of her — she was amazing, kind, beautiful. Just... not with anyone. Relationships seemed like someone else's game: why, if things were comfortable as is? I didn't suffer, didn't complex — I just lived. The group, friends, hobbies — it was enough. Romance? Like a distant planet.

Then came that day. She came over, sat down, and... there were tears. "I'm pregnant." From a guy in another group where she sometimes hung out. He liked her, and here was the result. In that moment, I thought: this was her last hope? That I'd stand up, hug her, and say, "Let's do this together, plan a future, it'll be great." For some reason, it feels like she was waiting for exactly that. And me? I stayed silent. Didn't know what to say. Couldn't pretend it was "my" story. She left, and I was left behind.

Some time later, she gave birth to a wonderful girl. With that guy, they were happy — built a family, even had a second child a couple of years later. And honestly, I'm so glad for her. She deserved that warmth, that fullness. We still chat occasionally — like old friends. This story taught me: sometimes silence is honesty. I didn't break her world, and she found hers. And me? I continued my path — alone, but at peace with myself.

Continuation in the next chapter: after 22, when loneliness became cozy, but... boring.