Welcoming a friend, beating a foe

I felt on my own,
fighting the whole world alone,
cowered by fear, feeling but confused,
my spirit black and bruised.

Then you gave me a gentle hug,
letting me know, you weren't a thug,
someone I could trust,
someone who wouldn't cause a fuss.

Intertwined, my spirit and fear,
but learning, slowly, to stay clear,
but fearing, my past friends,
will be there til the end.

I want to curl up into a ball,
and never answer anyone's call,
just to be on my own,
not hurting anyone, just feeling on my own.

Within my hard, protective shell,
but would that be life, or a personal hell,
build for a single one,
protected from pain, mischief and fun.

Why is it so hard to let go,
to welcome a friend, and beat a foe??