There is no right way to grieve. Or share your pain. 

For some people it takes a long time.  For other a short time.  And no-one's experiences are ever the same. Which makes it almost impossible to support someone through it.

This was Tich's story. She focused so much on Sylvia that she lost sight of everything else for a while. So her journey was one of recognition.

Although this is a short piece of work, I felt the characters went through a lot of change.  There were other things I had wanted to say, especially about Tich's other friends, but I felt like that detracted from the story in the end, and cut some of those parts.  

Helen, who couldn't talk about Sylvia without remembering her jealousy, finds her voice again at the end. She finds something more important to her than a best friend.  Although, that's another story.

Marilyn, who chased boys for a distraction, takes the time to get comfortable with herself, and to focus on her future. I tried to write her as someone others take a lot of liberties with their interpretation of.  She was always bright. I actually think it takes remarkable strength of character to be as confident as she is. 

Camilla was the unsung hero of this story.  A friend who looked after everyone else before herself.  She loves her friends dearly.  And says so often.  Everyone needs a Camilla in their lives. Everyone needs someone to remind them they're loved.  Just make sure to tell your Camilla you love them in return.   Sometimes the people who give out the most energy are the ones who really need a bit more love in return. 

There were a lot of changes as I posted this.  I wanted to build up Alan's side of the story.  Especially after going through our own family grief, I've really started to appreciate how hard it can be for some people to express how they feel because people tell them to be strong, or set a good example for other people.  I wanted to tell a story that broke those barriers down.  I hope I did it even a small fragment of justice. 

For me the hardest chapters to write were chapters 5 and 7. Especially 7.

In the end this felt like a hopeful ending, and that was the tone I wanted to leave it on.

Thanks for sticking out to the end.

I'd love some feedback if you have the time.