The Friend Who Chose the Truth

Chapter 1 · A Childhood Promise

Julien and David met on a school bench when they were only eight years old. Very quickly, they became inseparable.
Julien would never forget a summer afternoon when they were hiding behind an old shed in the park. David, unusually serious, grabbed his hand and said:
“Promise me something, Julien. Promise me you’ll never betray me.”
Julien smiled shyly, but answered with solemnity:
“I promise. I’ll never betray you.”
That moment was engraved in their memories, a sacred vow of friendship.

Chapter 2 · Youth and Divergence

As they grew older, their paths slowly began to split. Julien remained diligent and grounded, quiet and steady. David, on the other hand, was drawn to nightlife, risky friendships, and reckless schemes.
And yet, Julien always stayed by his side. Every time David got into trouble, Julien was there to pull him out. But little by little, Julien could feel it: David was drifting further and further from the person he once was.

Chapter 3 · The Courtroom

On the day of the trial, Julien sat heavy-hearted in the courtroom. David was facing serious charges. His lawyer did everything to defend him, but the case was overwhelming.
When Julien was called to the witness stand, his hands trembled. He looked up and saw David’s eyes locked on his.
And in that instant, their childhood promise echoed in his memory: “Never betray me.”
Julien closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath, and spoke:

“I will tell the truth. But please believe me—it’s not to harm you, it’s for you. Because I once promised never to betray you. If I lied today, that would be the real betrayal. Telling the truth is my way of not abandoning you. It’s my way of giving you the chance to become who you were meant to be again.”

The room fell silent, as if even the air had stopped moving.

Chapter 4 · The Sentence

In the end, David was convicted. Not for life, but long enough to break his former way of living.
Julien’s heart was crushed under guilt, but deep down he knew: he had not done it to destroy his friend, but to give him the chance to stand up again.

Chapter 5 · Conflict and Loyalty

Outside the courthouse, David’s anger erupted.
He stormed toward Julien, his eyes burning.
“You coward! You sold me out! You ruined me! Julien, you’re a traitor! I never want to see you again!”

The words struck Julien like blows to the chest. But he didn’t back away. He met David’s gaze and replied firmly:
“Call me whatever you need to. Pour out your anger on me, I won’t walk away. But listen, David—I'm still your friend. Always have been, always will be. I will never abandon you. No matter what happens, I’ll be here. You think you’re alone, but you’re not. We’ll get through this—together.”

The air grew still. David froze, fists trembling, lips parting as if to answer, but no words came. A flicker of moisture appeared in his eyes before he abruptly turned away.
Julien understood then: behind the rage and the cruel words was only fear and pain. Their bond had not been severed.

Chapter 6 · Time Passing

Years went by. David served his sentence, far from everyone’s sight. Julien wrote letters, visited when he could. At first, David was cold, distant. But slowly, his walls began to crumble.
He finally realized: Julien hadn’t sought to destroy him. He had simply refused to fall with him.

Chapter 7 · Rebirth

Years later, David rebuilt his life. He found a steady job, regained his confidence. One evening, sitting with Julien in a café, he finally whispered:
“You were right. If you hadn’t told the truth, I might never have turned around. You saved me, even though it took me a long time to see it.”

Julien smiled. Time had changed many things, but in the end, it had brought them back to the same truth. Their childhood vow had held firm—he had never betrayed him.

✨ Moral: Sometimes, telling the truth—even when it brings pain—is the deepest act of loyalty and friendship.