Author’s Note
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to take a moment before you read these next two chapters of “If You Don’t Run”.
I’ll be honest, these were some of the hardest chapters I’ve ever had to write, edit, and publish. Not because of the writing itself, but because the story you’re reading is inspired by something very real that happened in my own life.
The relationship between Layla and Trinity is heavily based on a friendship I lost. Someone I trusted deeply slowly drifted away, chose someone else, and wasn’t honest with me about it for a long time. Unlike Layla, I never got the apology. I never got the conversation. I never got the closure.
Writing these chapters forced me to revisit feelings I thought I had already moved past. Some scenes were difficult to edit because they reflected thoughts, questions, and hurts I’ve carried myself.
But I think that’s also why these chapters matter so much to me.
At its heart, this story isn’t about being replaced. It’s about learning that someone else’s choice doesn’t determine your worth. It’s about healing, growing, and finding the courage to trust again after being hurt.
So if you’ve ever lost a friend, been left behind, or questioned your value because someone stopped choosing you, I hope these chapters remind you of something important:
Their choice is not a reflection of your worth.
Thank you for reading, supporting this story, and taking this journey with Layla and Daniel.
With love,
Layla
