“Hello… it’s me, Vanessa. I need help…” Vanessa’s voice shook on the other end of the line, nearly drowned out by her sobs. She dialed number after number, trying to reach the people who had once always surrounded her.

But the only answers she received were rejections.

“Vanessa, sorry, I can’t talk right now.” Click.

“Didn’t I already tell you not to call me again?” Click.

“Your problems are too big. I don’t want to get dragged in.” Click.

One by one, every ally who once praised her was now gone. In her silent apartment, Vanessa let her phone slip onto the sofa. Her body trembled, her eyes swollen from...