Our Voices Matter - An Interlude

A moment that changed everything. Have you had pivotal experiences that changed your life?

Morning writings - Image by ChatGPT

This week, instead of the next chapter of Whispers of Echo Canyon, I’m sharing a glimpse into Riley’s past—a story of her college years and the choices that shaped her path, including the ones that led her to leave Vermont behind without looking back.

Writing fiction is a blast! I love creating characters and the worlds they live in. It’s fascinating to weave their stories with real-life experiences and universal themes that resonate — friendship, growth, creativity, and embracing life’s next chapters.

I have been tickled by how often you have shared your own stories in return. Many of you have commented on these themes, and a few have even asked for more.

Because of this, I’ve decided to extend our journey beyond the pages of Whispers of Echo Canyon. I’m occasionally writing Life’s Threads posts which explore the core themes in the novels and offer practical, actionable ways to bring those ideas into your life.

The first theme in these posts is based friendships in address the challenges we face during transitions like retirement, moving, or family definitions. It will help you rediscover the joy of connection and build lasting, meaningful friendships.

>> I’d love to know what themes matter most to you. What do you wish you had access to during life’s changes and evolution? Your input will help shape the future books in the series.

While focusing on this new content, I’ve also considered Riley’s back story, recognizing a gap in her past. She has Quinn, her BFF, and new friendships she’s building in Echo Canyon, but her college and working years are remarkably absent of connection.

Why is that? What was going on in Riley’s life that kept her from forging friendships during those formative years?

Riley’s Story: A Glimpse Into the Past

Riley sat cross-legged on her dorm room floor, a pile of architecture textbooks open around her and a nearly empty coffee cup within reach. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the radiator—a sound she had come to associate with late-night study sessions.

Across the room, her roommate, Sarah, laid on her bed, scrolling through a magazine. “You know, Riley, you can’t bury yourself in blueprints forever. You should come out with us tonight.”

Riley glanced up and shook her head. “I’ve got a project due on Monday, and if I don’t nail this one, Professor Kline will be on my case. Again.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “You say that every weekend. When was the last time you had fun? You know, met people?”

Riley didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. Sarah already knew the answer. Riley’s focus had always been on one thing—her future. Getting through college, landing an internship, and proving herself in a field that didn’t make room for mistakes. There wasn’t time for parties or casual coffee dates.

Deep down, Riley knew it wasn’t just about time. It was about safety. Friendships were messy and unpredictable, demanding a part of you that Riley wasn’t sure she was ready to give. Growing up in Vermont, Riley had watched her parents’ friends navigate fractured relationships arguments between siblings, broken commitments with friends. She had promised herself she wouldn’t go down that road. She’d keep things simple: focus on her career, stay in control, and leave the chaos behind.

But there’s another story I’ve never told—one that shaped Riley’s life in ways she couldn’t have imagined. As I worked on Life’s Threads and explored themes like friendship, trust, and perseverance, I realized this moment was central to her story—and perhaps to many of ours.

The following isn’t an easy read, but it’s powerful because it’s about finding strength in the aftermath of betrayal and reclaiming your narrative.

In Riley’s Words: The Morning After Graduation

The sun had barely risen, casting a pink-orange glow over the cluttered room where I sat, surrounded by the remnants of college life—papers, photos, and memories scattered across my desk. Graduation was over, and the future I’d worked so hard for stretched out ahead, filled with promise but also uncertainty.

A knock at the door broke my thoughts.

Lee stood there, smiling familiarly, but something in that expression felt different. Uneasy.

We talked or tried to. Lee began speaking about the future—a future that included me. At first, I didn’t understand, but it became clear as the words kept coming. Lee wasn’t just talking about friendship.

I was stunned. I tried to redirect the conversation, gently explaining my plans to move forward with my dream of starting my architectural practice and emphasizing the importance of our individual journeys. But Lee’s face darkened.

The words came fast, angry, cutting. “We’re meant to be together! How can you throw this away?”

I stammered, trying to apologize if I’d ever given the wrong impression. “We’re friends,” I said, my voice shaking. “Nothing more.”

My heart pounded against my ribs, a silent warning of danger lurking beneath the surface.

And then it happened.

Lee's advances were sudden and unexpected, and I grappled with a force I couldn't comprehend.

Panic surged through me, a primal instinct urging me to fight or flee. "Stop," I managed to choke out, my voice screaming but barely above a whisper. The word echoed in the cramped space between us.

“Let Me Go”

I realized I was alone, battling a demon I couldn't name, let alone conquer. I repeated,

“Let Me Go”

Lee relented and pushed me aside, disappearing into the morning light.

The silence that followed was deafening. I stood there, shaking, trying to understand what had just happened. A friend—someone I trusted—had turned my world upside down instantly.

I was confused. Shattered. Angry.

As the days turned into weeks, something else grew inside me. Strength. The power of my voice. The knowledge that Lee’s actions were not my fault.

“No.” It's such a small word. But it became my anchor. A defiant word that reminded me of my worth, boundaries, and the life I was determined to build for myself.

Why This Story Matters

Riley’s story isn’t just about that moment. It’s about what came after. It’s about Riley rediscovering her sense of self and learning to trust again—not just others but her instincts and voice. And why she could leave everything in Vermont behind—and start over.

We all face moments that test us, when trust is broken or boundaries are crossed. Sharing these stories can be painful, but they also remind us of our determination and strength in saying “No.”

As I continue developing the Life’s Threads posts, I hope these fictional and real-life stories will help us all navigate our next chapters with courage and connection.

I’d love to hear from you. How has a defining moment shaped your journey? What lessons did you carry forward?

Thank you for walking this path with me.

Until next week,

Marylee