I used to hang out and stream video games with my friends three nights a week. Now they don't even talk to me. They bought into the propaganda. There is only so much reaching out I can do. They don't respond to my texts, respond to any of my social media posts, or even tune in when I stream alone.

Tough they've never said it, is obvious they were using the lockdowns as an excuse to avoid me. Even when my father died a few months ago, they barely reached out. I'll never be silent or censor myself for fear of how others will react... But still, it does hurt. Literally having no IRL friends is lonely.

The only remaining friends I have are rare acquaintances and people online I've never even met before. The ones with whom we share memes, and the one or two dedicated stream fans, who still ask me where the rest of my crew are.