Someone who used to be different,
Today was the first time I have seen you in so long. Voice calls from my college dorm and unanswered texts don't count. Seventeen to nineteen changed you.
I can't decide if it is me who has changed, or you. Or maybe both of us.
You used to be the best person I knew. A good christian girl. Your light was always strong, as they said. But today, all you did was profess hatred towards anyone who wasn't straight and white. And stated was Jesus was the cure for the world, or at least the cookie-cutter world you want.
What hurts the most, is I can't tell if you have changed. Perhaps the girl I am now is nothing of who I used to be. It scares me to think that I never recognized prejudice of this degree, at every sleepover and texting session and trip and adventure we shared. But what scares me the most is the thought that I might have been like you, at some point in time.
Who thought that attending the most conservative college in America would change my heart in this direction, in just two short years. Because all I feel is love. And all I want is to be able to love anyone and trust that if it were me, I would be granted the same mercy and acceptance I show to a stranger.
Now I know that I can never be my authentic self around you again. What would you do if I were different from you?
I have mourned our friendship daily. But today finally gave me the closure I need to accept that we are no longer the innocent 13 year olds we were, at some point in time. The memories are still real, but now they hurt, like breath being stolen from my lungs. Sometimes I catch my breath and find relief, but other times it suddenly disperses and panic overcomes every ounce of my body.
You are beautiful. And I believe you are a daughter of God, of some creator, out there somewhere. Because I believe in good. I believe in choosing joy. And I believe in loving everyone you hate.
Perhaps if you knew me better, you would hate me too.
Sincerely,
Someone who used to be different, too.
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125,027 Literary Works • 672,768 Reviews
Your work is truly beautiful, with each word carrying deep meaning. Maintaining a long-term friendship can be challenging, but your ability to see the good in everything and carry joy in your heart is truly admirable. I hold great admiration for you and the heartfelt words you've written.
"What hurts the most, is I can't tell if you have changed. Perhaps the girl I am now is nothing of who I used to be."
Your journey of change, closure, and acceptance is incredibly significant. It's difficult not knowing if the person you once knew has changed, and even harder to recognize your past self. But like flowers, we can grow and blossom. It's okay to evolve our beliefs, accept our past selves, and embrace the possibility of change. As humans, we have a unique way of maturing and evolving, much like a work of art. Every piece of art holds its own meaning and blossoms in its own unique way, just like humans can change and inspire others.
This is beautiful, I love the language and symbolism used. I personally relate to this, but I feel like even someone who didn’t would still feel the emotions you expressed. A collection of shorts like these would be amazing. You’re doing great.
helloo friend, i legit just hopped on here to make some quirky status post after writing an analysis of Titus Andronicus, but the title of this short story caught my eye and I couldn't help myself but click on it to read it.
Already, this is just so relatable. Growing apart from someone that you used to be super close with is tough, but we need to remember that it's part of life. If people stay stagnant and static, then there isn't any room for growth. People come in and out of our lives because that's just the way life is. Here in the beginning, you're wondering which of you changed, and I'm glad in the end that you concluded that both of you have changed.
Here it's revealed the 'change' that caused the two of you to drift apart; they are not the person you thought they were, at least not anymore. I didn't expect this piece to dive into the nuances of faith and religion, but I'm always here for it. It's unfortunate that some followers to Christianity, a religion that at its core text preaches unconditional love, can harbor so much hatred. In Leviticus 19:18 (KJV) it states, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." It's also worth noting that Christianity also acknowledges that people aren't perfect. In Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV) it states, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
That being said, it's upon the Christian to recognize those prejudices and their hatred and seek out ways to overcome it, whether that be through reading the text, prayer, or talking to other Christians.
In this piece, it seems to me that you still consider yourself a Christian. It's always difficult to share a religion with someone but have fundamentally different beliefs.
There isn't much I would change here, it's clearly a very personal piece. One thing I would say is I think that Christian is supposed to be capitalized.
I think this piece is super relatable and relevant, even to those who aren't Christian or religious for that matter. I remember I grew up pretty conservative, but after gaining more independence, I found myself more moderate and liberal leaning. That being said, I've had similar conversations with people who I am friends with as they share their prejudices and opinions on topics that I no longer agree with.
Just know that you aren't alone in these feelings, people change and you change too, and that's normal! <3
I LOVED reading this. I also had a friend where we went very different paths in life and this was something I could relate too.
“And stated was Jesus was the cure for the world, or at least the cookie-cutter world you want.”
This line is so good. You cant make the world you want. But you can live in a world and showing people of all kinds Gods love. It breaks my heart that she hates anyone who isn't straight and white. I’m proud of you for choosing joy and loving people they hate. That’s Gods love.
“Perhaps if you knew me better, you would hate me too.
Sincerely,
Someone who used to be different, too.”
This line HITS. You understand that you both have changed but know that you chose different paths. It has the tones of that pain you mentioned earlier but also has the sense of moving on. It’s 3 lines but with so much power.
This is the first story I read as I woke up (it’s 8 am for me) and i already have so much to think about. Thank you for posting this, and I think its so well done!
Hi there Ellie!! How are you? You seem to be very active in posting stories these days, well done!! Let’s dive in now, shall we?
Firstly, I love how this is a totally different topic from what I usually see but it’s very…mature. The whole text is radiating with acceptance, kindness and respect even though you’re talking about someone who is racist and homophobic. You showed utter respect, didn’t use harsh words and just poured out your soul without hurting anyone in the slightest way. You’re amazing for that.
I’m assuming this is written based on a personal level, so I’ll go ahead and give my views! That’s what a review is, right?
I was definitely a little shaken when I read the line:
That line definitely brought me down to Earth. I am a Hindu and so, a person of colour and just thinking about that thought that these things still happen sickens me more than I already am. I mean..I’ve heard, been taught and seen racism happening but it’s never been directed towards me before. This made me realise it may have already happened to me but I was too naive to see it and recognise it. I don’t think I ever will be able to since I’m not socially smart and witty. I can’t usually defend myself and I will most likely just freeze. That’s what makes me shudder.
People like me, who don’t understand what counts as racism and not, what would happen to us?
I loved the sense of closure illuminating of the last few lines.
You accepted it. You accepted her for who she is and kindly hoped she’s realise her mistakes. You accepted people like her exist in this world and all we can do is help others, retaliating against their messed up beliefs. You told her that she was accepted and she didn’t have to do that to make herself feel better. Who knows she might be different and she might have been shamed upon, therefore as a shell, she may have resorted to the same method?
Overall, I related to this narrative and I hope you have a good day/night!<3