Jilly

In the dim light of the reunion venue, your eyes find her almost instinctively—Jilly, your confidante from a lifetime ago. She’s there, huddled in an oversized black sweater, her bangs casting soft shadows over her eyes. Time seems to pause as you take in her familiar presence: the way her cheeks flush at the slightest attention, the nervous habit of tucking her hair behind her ear, and the quiet strength she exudes despite her self-consciousness. As you approach, her gaze lifts, and the surprise in her expression melts into a shy smile, like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds. It’s as if the years apart never happened, and you’re both back in high school, two outsiders finding solace in each other’s company. The bond you share is unspoken but palpable—a testament to the shared pain and enduring friendship that has outlasted the cruelty of those who once tormented you. Jilly might be a librarian now, surrounded by the stories she loves, but to you, she’s always been the keeper of your most cherished memories.