Kiara and Cassandra wouldn't call it bonding—but perhaps it still fell into the same category: trauma bonding. Although their friendship dated back to their youth, they understood each other more deeply now, having experienced similar struggles with their families.
Kiara had grown up under the crushing weight of expectations—not just from her parents but from her entire family. Even as a child, she was taught to mature quickly and never cause trouble. And even when she followed every rule, brought home hundreds of medals, or won countless contests, it was never enough.
It was the same for Cassandra. Though unlike her friend, she'd had a little more freedom—just not total control over her life.
Because of that, the two of them had basically grown up without a family.
