Anaya came by and told me Baako had died shortly after Winterfest. I knew why she didn’t tell me when we saw her on NYE, but I was still a tiny bit upset. I would have insisted she join us so we could love on her, but that’s exactly why she remained silent. We were there to celebrate, and she didn’t want to ruin our festive spirits. Speaking of celebrating, she congratulated me and Winston again but also opened up about all the things I’d wondered concerning her feelings toward him. I never told her about our drama, but she knew something was amiss because she knew me. As she spoke, I could have slapped myself for thinking I could hide from my best friend. She said I’m a gusher and knew something had gone down when I went silent. She gathered her own opinions about Winston and speculated on what happened in hopes I would eventually share whatever it was with her, but I never did. That hurt her deeply, she said. I explained I didn’t want to add to her burden with the divorce and everything, but she quickly rebuked me. The divorce was a one-time event, not a lifetime sentence. She appreciated the space and support I gave her when she was in the thick of it, but it’s been over. Friends bear each other’s burdens, and I didn’t allow her to be a friend when I should have needed her most.
Despite how terrible I felt, her intent was not reproach. She brought all of that up to say she had seen how things turned around for me and Winston and was truly happy to see it; she’s proud of us. I’m proud of us too. But I’m even more glad to get everything out in the open with my best friend. I know I said previously I didn’t need my friends’ approval, but Watcher, it is great to have it.
