Describe a person who supported you during a difficult time

The person who supported me during a difficult time is my best friend, Diyora. The period I'm thinking of was about two years ago, when I failed my university entrance exam on my first attempt.

I had spent nearly a year preparing, studying every evening and giving up many social activities, so the result was a huge shock. I felt like a failure, and I was embarrassed in front of my family and friends. For several days, I stayed in my room, ignored my phone and barely ate.

Diyora wouldn't let me disappear. She turned up at my door one afternoon with some of my favourite sweets and just sat beside me. She didn't give me a lecture or tell me it would all be fine; she let me talk and cry for as long as I needed. Over the following weeks, she called me every day, made me go for walks, and gradually helped me to look at the situation more calmly. When I decided to try again, she created a study timetable with me and tested me on difficult topics. She even came to the exam centre with me and waited outside during the whole test.

Her support meant everything. At that point I doubted myself, and her belief in me gave me strength to carry on. Without her, I might have given up. Thankfully, I passed on my second attempt and began my course the following autumn.

I try to be there for her in the same way now. That period taught me that real friends are the people who stay with you at your lowest.