My Lisa 8: Wandered off

Oil Paint on Canvas, 48” x 24”, 2024

$4,100

My Lisa 8: Wandered Off

Lisa and I had a crush on the same boy in sixth grade. He chose her. I told myself it was because she had breasts. I got over the boy and soon Lisa and I became easy friends. Through sleepovers and vacations, school dances and double dates, we grew closer.

She had a hand in creating my personality—how to dress, what to eat, what to think. We shared every secret, and she always made me giggle. We were like sisters. We imagined our children would be lifelong best friends, just like us.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when, but Lisa stopped calling and was too busy to talk when I called her. She ignored my invitations to celebrate milestones together.

I knew Lisa was dealing with a lot—she got divorced, her mother died, and money was tight. I wanted to be supportive, so I kept reaching out. Until I didn’t—I let it go.

We never had a break-up or a final conversation. We just aren’t friends anymore.

Sometimes I feel like Lisa wandered off with a piece of my history, but I also feel lighter and freer without her.