This was an interesting short story can come off a little confusing with how it’s told. But I’ve started reading short stories more lately out of curiosity and this was on audio so it was a quick listen.

“Lila” is book 7 in The One series which is a true story about the complexities of female friendship, religion, love, self-reflection, and self-discovery. Naima and Lila were childhood friends that basically grew up and then eventually apart.

In my opinion their friendship started off complicated and one-sided but the two eventually bonded and became friends. Their friendship was really created based off co-dependency and a trauma bond on Naima’s part. Throughout the story Naima describes her up and down friendship with Lila and how every time they fall apart something brings them back together.

It was never anything good that brought the two back together in my opinion. Naima basically depended on Lila because she made her feel good unlike her parents or anyone else she’d encountered. Plus there were always hidden feelings shared between the two but neither acted upon those feelings until they were older.

Once the physical intimacy occurred Naima didn’t see Lila fit to be someone she’d date and instead married her long-term boyfriend because it felt like the right thing to do. When things turned upside down in Lila’s life, Naima was always there to pick up the pieces until Lila could no longer show up for Naima then their friendship basically ended.

By the end of the story I think Naima wished she hadn’t let Lila slip away. Even though she knew their friendship was never genuine she missed her or maybe just felt she needed her still. Overall, this was a cool quick read I was left with a few unanswered questions. But I still found it to be a little thought-provoking so I do plan to go back and read the other books in the series which are by different authors.

Rating: 3.75/5