I thought they were my friends too. - Maya

Maya had been dating Ryan for three years. Through him, she met his group of friends, a close circle who had all connected through an online gaming platform years ago.

Maya spent a lot of time with them. They went to restaurants together. Came over to each other's houses for parties and gatherings. Celebrated birthdays. Game nights. Weekend trips.

She brought food to their events. Remembered their inside jokes. Listened to their stories. Shared her own.

They seemed to welcome her. They laughed at her jokes. They included her in group chats. They asked how her week was going.

For three years, Maya thought these were her friends too. Not just Ryan's friends. Hers.

Then Ryan ended the relationship. He no longer wanted to be with her. Maya was heartbroken.

A few people from the group reached out. "Hey, how are you doing?" "Are you okay?" The messages were kind. Concerned. Maya appreciated them.

But as the weeks passed, the invitations stopped coming. The group still met for game nights. Still went to restaurants. Still had gatherings. Without her.

She saw the photos on social media. Everyone together, laughing, the way they used to when she was there.

The concern had been genuine. But the friendship had limits.

She had only ever been Ryan's girlfriend. When he left, her spot at the table disappeared too.