Debbie's world had always been small. Growing up, she never had the luxury of close friends. Her family's poverty
and her mother's constant insecurities made her withdraw from people, fearing judgment or pity. She learned early on that vulnerability could be dangerous, that trusting others could leave her exposed.
Now, at 21, she felt the weight of that isolation more than ever. She had no one to turn to, no shoulder to cry on. Her social media feeds were filled with acquaintances living their best lives group outings, brunch dates, vacations.
Meanwhile, she sat alone in her tiny room, her phone silent, her bank account empty.
The reality of being jobless only added to her despair. Every day, she stared at job postings, but the energy to apply wasn't there. It wasn't just about finding work—it was about battling the overwhelming sense of worthlessness that Pasco's absence had left behind.