Betrayed Trust.

Thank you, @theinkwell, for such an amazing prompt.
I can totally relate to this, and I have an experience I’d love to share.

As a third-year student at the University of Uyo, Nigeria, studying Biochemistry, I’ve gotten used to being by myself you could call me an introvert.

My first year at the university was hell. I didn’t know anyone, it was far from home, and I struggled to make friends. Eventually, I made up my mind to be open and willing to build new, healthy relationships.

One day, I was approached by a group of three, two girls and a boy: Victoria, Favour, and Moses.

"Hi bro, you seem lost. Are you a fresher?" Moses asked.

"Hi y’all. Yes, I am a freshman, and I’m looking for the admin block. I need to stamp some documents," I replied.

"Likewise! That’s where we’re all headed. Come along, we’ll take you there," Victoria said, smiling warmly.

"Thank you so much. I’d really appreciate that," I responded.

We headed to the admin block together, and on the way, we introduced ourselves and started getting familiar.

After school that day, we exchanged contacts. I was so happy because I had finally made some friends. I felt like I wouldn't have to be alone anymore. Little did I know, I was in for the biggest betrayal of my life.

As the months passed, our friendship deepened. They showed me around campus, and we attended fun events together.

We eventually had our first exams. By that time, I had grown very close to Moses and confided in him about personal matters. After the exams, I ran into him, and we started talking:

"Bro, what’s up? Why are you so moody? Is everything okay?" Moses asked.

"Not at all. I've got a bad feeling about my exams. I know in my heart that I didn’t do well. I might fail over five courses and I’ve just started school. It would be so shameful," I replied, sadness clearly written all over my face.

"My bro, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Leave it to God, and just put in more effort next time. You’ll be okay," Moses said calmly.

"Thank you so much, Moses. I really appreciate it. I’ll do better next semester, that’s for sure," I replied.

"I know you will. Anyway, Victoria and Favour are waiting for us at the science market. Let’s go meet them," Moses said, ending the conversation.

Later, when the results were finally out, I was so hesitant to show mine to Moses.

"Bro, you said you’ve seen your results. Why haven’t you shown them to me yet?" Moses asked.

"Sorry, Moses. I’ll send them later. I forgot to," I lied. The truth was, I hadn’t forgotten. I just didn’t want to be laughed at I had failed badly.

After much persuasion from him, I finally decided to open up about how I felt. When we met after morning prayers, I called him aside at the hostel.

"Moses, I want to talk to you about something really important. And I trust you to keep it a secret. I would feel humiliated if anyone else found out," I began.

"Come on, bro. We’ve been close for a long time. Of course, you can trust me with a little secret," Moses assured me.

"I’ve seen my results… but I was scared of being judged. That’s why I delayed showing them to you, even though I said I would. I’m sorry about that," I continued.

"It’s all good, bro. How bad can it be? You have nothing to be scared of, okay? This is a safe space," Moses said, further reassuring me.

I sent him a copy of my results, and his eyes widened. He had to compose himself because, indeed, the results were horrific.

"Don’t worry you’ll do better next semester, okay? It’s just the first semester. You’ll be fine," Moses said, patting me on the back.

"Thank you, Moses. You’re a true friend," I replied.

That evening, I went to bed feeling a little better. But the next morning, I woke up to numerous notifications from our class WhatsApp group chat over a thousand messages overnight. I was curious to know what was going on.

I opened the chats and found my coursemates laughing and making fun of someone’s results. When I checked the screenshot they were mocking, I realized it was mine. I scrolled to see who had posted it… and it was Moses.

The same Moses I had trusted. A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

That discovery shattered me.

I was tagged and dragged for weeks in the group chat. I fell into depression for months. Eventually, I gathered the courage to confront Moses. And all he could say was:

"Bro, chill. It was just a joke nothing serious. Besides, secrets are always told," he said, laughing like it meant nothing.

I stood there in silence, heartbroken. Then I walked away.

Back in my dorm room, I lay on my bed, crushed. It took me months to begin healing but the trauma still lingers. I could almost see the look of disgust in people’s eyes when they saw me.

That experience made me build strong emotional walls. I swore never to let my guard down for anyone again not until they’ve proven beyond all doubt that they’re truly worth it.

The image used is mine.