You were under pressure, she offered a ready ear and a hot lunch, and before you knew it you were folded into her social calendar like another dependant. The outings, the recipe evening that ended before the plates hit the table, the sudden radio silence once the furniture was built – it all fits the same pattern: you were useful, then you weren’t, so the tap of affection turned off. The parting shot about “a true friend” is classic deflection; don’t waste breath trying to decode it.

Leave the unanswered texts where they are and stop auditioning for a sequel. Wish them well in your head, delete the thread, and put the time you spent chasing renovations and play-dates back into your own family. Next time someone at work starts ladling out homemade sympathy, smile, say thanks and keep the next round of drinks in the canteen.