Throughout his high school years, Michael held the prestigious position of quarterback on his basketball team. He basked in the glory and attention that came with it, proudly proclaiming himself as the king of his school. With his good looks. His wealth. Popularity, and flashy cars, he seemed to have it all. 

Michael had become so accustomed to living a lie, and as a result, he began to believe it himself. This made his days easier to navigate, as he did not have to face the pain of the truth. It had become almost second nature for him to hide his true feelings and put on a façade to the outside world. Michael knew deep down that this was not a sustainable or healthy way of living. But for now, it was the only way he knew how to function. 

Michael was raised in a world of luxury and abundance, where his every whim was catered to and his desires were fulfilled without question. However, this privileged upbringing did not shape him into a compassionate or empathetic individual. On the contrary, it seemed to have instilled a self-centered nature in him. Despite having everything he could ever want, Michael showed little regard for others and their feelings. He had a manipulative way of making people feel guilty if they did not agree with him or cater to his needs. 

It was evident that he lacked the ability to see beyond his own desires and consider the well-being of those around him. His actions and behaviour towards others were always lacking in respect, kindness, and gratitude. It seemed that, in his mind, high school was a place where there was always someone to make fun of, and he revelled in that idea.From the start, Michael was aware that he was not well-liked by his peers at school. The students who claimed to be his friends were merely pretending, and he was fully aware of this. Surprisingly, this was not a concern for Michael as long as they were able to fulfill his needs. This persona he had adopted was the one that everyone had grown accustomed to.

It may come as a surprise to some that Michael was not always this way. It was the day his best friend, his only true friend, walked out of his life that he underwent a drastic change. That event shaped him into the person he was today.

There was only one individual who held a special place in Michael’s heart. This person was named Isabella Sims, and she possessed lovely qualities. Her eyes were strikingly gray with hints of charcoal that resembled deep black, and her sleek hair was a rich shade of cherry black.

During the most tumultuous time of his life, Isabella was a constant source of comfort and support for Michael. Night after night, she held him tight as he listened to the heartbreaking screams of his parents. Through the roughest year he had ever experienced, Isabella stood by his side, helping him navigate through his pain and tears. Her unwavering presence and steadfast love gave Michael the strength and courage to face each day.

The effects of divorce on children are well-documented and often challenging to navigate. At the tender age of fifteen, Michael found himself in the midst of a painful and tumultuous situation as his parents went through a bitter separation. The heated arguments over custody left Michael feeling caught in the middle and unsure about his future. The constant bickering between his parents had begun to take a toll on him, causing many sleepless nights. As Michael lay awake, tears would often fall from his eyes as he struggled to cope with the situation. He had always loved his parents deeply and never could have imagined that he, of all people, would be experiencing such turmoil within his family.

Michael's desire to emulate his older brother, who had already left home, was palpable. He yearned for the independence and maturity that came with being older, and most importantly, for the freedom from the constant bickering and disagreements between his parents that plagued his evenings. He was initially overwhelmed and perplexed by the news of his parents' divorce. As he struggled to wrap his head around the situation, the confusion Michael felt only made him start to doubt himself. He could not help but wonder if there was something he could have done differently to prevent this from happening. 

Perhaps if he had been a better son and listened to his mother's requests for help around the house, his parents' relationship would not have changed.

"Do I have to make the difficult decision of choosing between my mom and dad?” He asked.

"Regrettably, we do not have the luxury of choosing our own parents," Isabella had expressed sorrowfully to Michael as she clung onto him one evening.

Michael had let out a soft laugh, expressing amusement at the thought of being able to pick his own parents. With a hint of irony, he acknowledged that he would not have changed a thing. While many pre-teens might not have an issue with their parents' separation, as it often comes with its own benefits, Michael saw things differently. 

“Thank you, really. Your presence alone makes it easier to deal with everything," Michael said, his voice filled with gratitude. 

“I am glad I can be of some help,” Isabella had replied with a comforting smile. “Is there anything else I can do for you?" 

“Just being here and listening to me is enough. I don't want to burden you with my problems," young Michael replied. He felt guilty for troubling Isabella during his tough times.

“You are not a burden, Michael. Friends support each other through the good and bad. I am more than happy to be here for you," Isabella reassured him.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Bella. You are truly an amazing friend," Michael said, touched by Isabella's kindness.

"I feel the same way about you. And remember, tough times don't last but tough people do. You will get through this.” Isabella gave him a reassuring hug.