IS GROWING UP MEANS GROWING APART?

One day, not a sunny day but just an icy cold day, standing here before the court. Flashes of memories came as if it is happening at the moment.

"Same old place, same old-time, L." I reminded her while walking from school.

"Roger that, E." We both nodded as we went straight home. This is our set up every day, meeting up at the court.

I believe that childhood friends stay forever just like in the movies. We study at the same school, live nearby, and hangout at court every day and talk about stuff. We are partners in crime, not caring about everything. We are best of friends.

When we graduated from elementary, her parents decided to move her to another school. It was very sad, but we decided to continue our set up just like before.

Our first year of high school was perfect, we're not classmates anymore, but we are still hanging out at the court every afternoon and talk about how our day went. Then I got a few close friends in our second year. They were fun to be with but I tried to limit myself to get attached because L is only my best friend, just like we promised when we were children. In our third year, we seldom see each other because of loads of homework and requirements. Our meetups at the court keep canceling because of our tight schedule. So I tried to finish all my paper works so I could spare a day with her just to see her inviting her new friends to her house.

As days go by, I feel that I am going to lose her as my best friend. We got into a fight when I confronted her about her new friends. Yes, I was jealous because I should be the only best friend in her life.

Is growing up also means growing apart?

We no longer talking in the fourth year of high school. I met new friends and unconsciously applied my toxic trait when I got attached to them. They got furious but managed to educate me and my toxic mindset. It was hard to cope up because of our differences, but I grew fond of them that I want to keep them as my friends forever.

Years went by, I grew as a person, learned a lot of things, met a lot of people, and fought battles that no one knows.

I also heard that L migrated to Canada with her family to study college.

My friends from fourth-year high school remained as my friends. We may have loaded schedules, met thousands of people, got new friends, or move to a faraway city, but our connection will stay the same, the friendship remains.

So is growing up mean growing apart?

Yes and no.

Yes, because we cannot assure that people will stay in our lives. They may cut you out because you are too toxic for them or you cut out people from your life because they are not healthy for you, and it is okay. People come and go.

And no, because your bond with someone never ends. How far you may live, or how many people passed in your life, friendship never fades.

I was about to leave the court when I saw a familiar silhouette,

"Long time no see, E."