Stay Afloat: A YA Short Story About Burnout, Boundaries, and Best Friends (Unfiltered Lives)

A heartfelt YA short read about being “the strong one” and learning when to let go.

Maya Reyes has always been the dependable best friend—the girl with backup plans, perfectly organized notes, and a heart big enough to carry someone else’s pain. Especially Lily’s.

But when Lily collapses at graduation, Maya’s carefully balanced world spins out. As Lily battles chronic kidney disease and becomes a TikTok icon for resilience, Maya quietly drowns in AP classes, caregiver expectations, and the crushing pressure to stay strong.

Everyone praises Lily’s strength. But no one sees the cracks forming in Maya’s smile.

📱 Through heartfelt TikToks, quiet poolside breakdowns, and a fight that nearly shatters their friendship, Stay Afloat explores:

• Teen caregiver burnout
• Sibling and friendship dynamics
• Mental health in high-achieving students
• Found family and letting go of perfection

This powerful, emotional YA short read includes bonus materials:

✔ Maya’s raw and personal college essay

✔ A curated mental health + caregiver support resource list

✔ “Mango’s Survival Tips for Stressed Teens” (Yes, the pug has thoughts.)

Perfect for fans of Five Feet Apart, Everything, Everything, and Girl in Pieces. If you’ve ever felt invisible while helping someone else shine—this story is for you.