My name is fRiEnD(I-writes) I walked across the campus to my classroom, feeling disappointed. One month had passed since I started college, and I still hadn't made any friends. However, yesterday brought a glimmer of hope. I struck up a conversation with a group of girls, and one of them, (A fRiEnD), invited me to join them.

As I entered the classroom, the teacher asked, "How's everyone adjusting to college life? Made new friends or reconnecting with familiar faces?" The questioning ended, and I noticed all heads turning toward me. The murmurs began.

"She doesn't make friends." "She doesn't talk to us." "She doesn't reply." Their words made me anxious.

The teacher pressed on, "Why are you uncomfortable? You should make friends."

I hesitated, responding softly, "No, miss, it isn't true."

But she asked, "What's your friend's name? Who is your friend?"

Memories flooded back. As a schoolgirl, aged 7 or 8, I had two friends. Our class seating arrangement paired girls on benches. My friends sat together, spending time with each other.

The teacher asked us to name our best friends; the first girl stood, naming her friend beside her. Their friendship was verified.

I was nervous, thinking, "Who will say whose name?" One friend stood, naming the girl beside her. They held hands, saying each other's name. Their friendship was verified by the class's applause.

I wasn't part of their pair. Did I imagine our group of three girls?

The class applauded, but I heard my name.

It was my turn to answer.

I stood, seeing expectant faces.

I named my favorite classmate, the perfect student.

My grip on the book tightened. What did I just say?

Later, it was her turn. I lowered my head.

She listed three to four names, excluding me.

The teacher said, "Hey, your friend betrayed you."

The class laughed.

My supposed friends from the group turned to me, saying, "Why did you name her? When did you two become friends? You should have named us."

Another girl said, "Everyone is my friend."

The class clapped.

I was happy to hear those words, feeling included.

Years later, that idolized girl and those two friends still lingered in my memory.

I hated them.

Until then, I couldn't make friends. Had I lost the gift of friendship or was it robbed?

Back in the present, I stood, mumbling, "Who is my friend?"

(A fRiEnD), beside me, I hesitantly shook her shirt arm, asking for help. She stood, saying, "I'm her friend."

I felt relieved history wouldn't repeat itself.

I thought I wouldn't be able to call someone my fRiEnD.

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