Reflecting on the past 14 years, I’ve experienced profound moments with my beloved cats, now aged 17 and nearly 17. These years have been filled with joy, challenges, and invaluable lessons. (The picture was generated by WordPress AI—not bad! One is my Snow, and the other is my Angel. Snow is the black one, so you know who Angel is.)

Throughout this journey, I’ve also faced some of the most difficult experiences that tested my trust in friendships. Yet, amidst these trials, the unwavering companionship of my cats has been a constant source of comfort and strength.

Recently, I uncovered a painful truth—someone I had trusted completely had been living a lie for nearly two decades. The revelation was both shocking and disheartening, especially when this person, after being abandoned by everyone around them, turned to me as their last resort. Despite the depth of deception, I made the decision to step away, recognizing that self-preservation and surrounding myself with genuine relationships are far more important than holding onto a connection built on falsehoods.

Betrayal by someone close can bring a whirlwind of emotions—shock, grief, and even self-doubt. But it also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and valuing authentic connections. Some lessons are painful, but they ultimately teach us how to protect our peace and well-being.

As I return to blogging after a 14-year hiatus, I intend to share my journey of healing—the lessons learned from both human relationships and the steadfast loyalty of my feline companions.

P.S. This person remains oblivious to their own faults, still seeking my support after being turned away by everyone else in their life. However, I’ve learned my lesson and made the decision to cut ties because the person I thought I knew for almost 20 years never truly existed. As a friend once said, perhaps a higher power saw this person’s ill intentions and chose to intervene—not only exposing the deception through consequence but also placing me in the moment where my actions ultimately prevented their fate from reaching a tragic end.