High school.

Eighteen.

“My friends say I’ve changed.”

“And do you think they’re right?”

“They are.”

“Why do you think you changed?”

“Because I got tired of being the silent, shy person. They think I’ve changed because before, I was just silent. Now I have my own voice.”

“But that’s a good thing. You believe in yourself, and that should make you stronger.”

“It does. But it’s not such a great thing when the closest people to you dislike you even if a little bit. You know, that’s the thing about people– sometimes, we’re afraid of what would happen if someone changed. But in my case, I couldn’t stay the same. I couldn’t stay hidden in the corners forever. I couldn’t keep nodding to everything. That was getting exhausting.”

“But in the end, if you think you changed to the better, then stay exactly like you are.”

“I did. I feel more confident. I feel good, actually.”

“Then they’ll get used to you.”

“Maybe.”

“You don’t have to please people. You only have to please God.”