‘Please Get Help. I Can’t Imagine Life Without You.’

I lost my best friend to addiction, but I’ll never stop wondering if she’s okay

The two of us in 2003. Photos: Stephanie Sylverne

Note: The names in this piece have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

The first time I saw her, we were in seventh grade. She was the new kid at school, and she stood up in chorus class and…