Hello, this is Punny and my art brand, Punny Panda. We talk about friendship, relationships, games, and animation in the entertainment niche. We are also developing our comic project “Witch's Pie”, and you can already join us on Patreon.

A childhood friend whom I had not seen for a year met me by chance near a store. The evening sun was shining directly into my eyes, and I considered not saying "hello," but she called out to me first. Later, she messaged me and invited me to meet.

I want to show the contrast between how your environment changes and how you change when you begin developing yourself. At this stage of my life, I am building a brand, studying new skills, exercising, taking care of myself, and I have been running my website for more than a year and a half.

During that time, my school friends and I gradually drifted apart, even though I continued writing to them, inviting them to local events, and giving them gifts.

So what happened?

Happy that she still remembered me, I rushed to meet her within ten minutes. We literally walked only a short distance from the store, and after about thirty minutes she suddenly said that her husband had arrived and that she needed to leave.

She left me standing in the middle of the street.

She simply turned around and walked away.

And I went home.

Later she sent a message:

"Oh, sorry it turned out that way."

We had not seen each other for a year. The meeting was planned for the evening, with about two hours available. She initiated the meeting herself, and then she turned around and left to be with her husband, whom she sees every single day.

What the hell?

Honestly, I was angry with myself because I believed once again that she was my friend. But in reality, she only wanted to remind me that her daily routine and personal life were more important than our once-a-year meeting.

The Nostalgia Trap

Nostalgia often pushes us back toward places where we are no longer welcome.

This applies to family members, friends, and especially former romantic relationships.

The brain spends a long time processing hurtful words and painful memories. It tries to protect you by softening the bad experiences. Eventually, you begin thinking:

"Maybe it was not that bad."

Then you answer the phone.

You run to meet them.

And you get hit in the head by reality.

You realize that your value to them is almost nothing.

And you walk home alone, feeling like a complete failure.

People Grow in Different Directions

My friend and I have changed in very different ways.

I try to stay in shape, while she has gained extra weight. I take care of my skin and hair, while she does not. I want my future romantic partner to be my ally and teammate, but my besty thinks that the role of service personnel for a wife who also goes to work is a normal relationship.

Did I say any of this to her?

Did I spend the meeting trying to prove that I was better than her?

No.

Not at all.

I genuinely wanted conversation, jokes, updates about her life, and the chance to offer my personal advice if she needed help.

I did not even get the chance to open my mouth.

Never Look Back

When you begin changing your life toward the future you truly want, do not keep looking behind you.

When you look back, you may find only ghosts.

Or a burning desert sun shining painfully against your back.

The people, places, and versions of yourself that once existed may no longer be there.

Sometimes growth means accepting that not everyone will grow alongside you.

Join Witch's Pie

If you enjoy stories about friendship, conflict, personal growth, magic, and difficult choices, join the world of “Witch's Pie” and follow the development of the project.