I will love you from afar

Chapter 9: The present.

As the days turned into weeks, Alex and Sam found themselves reconnecting and rebuilding the bond they once shared. Their conversations grew deeper and more meaningful, and they began to support each other in ways they hadn't in years.

Alex and Sam started spending more time together, reminiscing about their childhood, and sharing their experiences since they had last seen each other. They supported each other through their personal struggles, celebrating successes and offering comfort during difficult times.

Alex's career as an author flourished, and Sam, with her newfound clarity and healing, threw herself into her work with renewed vigor. They encouraged each other's professional growth, and their collaboration on creative projects became a source of joy and fulfillment.

Their friendship, once fractured by distance and misunderstandings, began to heal as they worked through their past. They spent weekends exploring the city, rediscovering old favorites, and creating new memories together. Their shared history gave way to a fresh start, built on mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's lives and feelings.

Alex's presence in Sam's life brought a sense of stability and warmth, while Sam's support and companionship provided Alex with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Both women found solace and strength in each other, their friendship evolving into a strong, supportive partnership that was enriched by their shared past and their commitment to moving forward together.

The time they spent working on their relationship allowed them to fill the gaps left by their years apart, transforming their bond into something even more meaningful and enduring. Through their efforts, Alex and Sam rediscovered the importance of having someone who truly understands and supports them, and their friendship became a testament to the resilience of genuine connections and the power of reconciliation.

Despite the growing bond between them, Alex still couldn't bring herself to confess her deeper feelings for Sam. The fear of ruining their rekindled friendship weighed heavily on her heart. Every time she thought about telling Sam the truth—that she had loved her for years—her anxiety would surface, reminding her of all they had worked to rebuild. The thought of losing Sam again was unbearable, so she decided to stay silent.

Alex moved permanently to Bangkok, continuing her writing career while working from home. Her new life centered around being close to Sam. She found herself naturally falling into a routine of taking care of the little things—cooking meals, tidying up the house, running errands, and being there for Sam in ways that felt familiar yet unspoken.

Her care for Sam went beyond friendship, but she kept her feelings hidden behind warm smiles and comforting gestures. When Sam had late nights working on her projects, Alex would leave dinner on the table or pack meals for her. When Sam was exhausted, Alex made sure her home was peaceful and welcoming. It was through these small, quiet acts of love that Alex expressed her devotion, even if she never put it into words.

Every day, Alex fought the urge to tell Sam how much she meant to her. Watching Sam laugh, seeing her succeed in her career, and being a part of her everyday life filled Alex with both joy and heartache. She convinced herself that being by Sam's side as her best friend was enough. It was safer to stay in the shadows of friendship than to risk losing everything by revealing her true feelings.

Their friendship continued to blossom, but Alex's internal struggle became harder to bear as the weeks passed. She would catch herself staring at Sam, her heart aching with unspoken love, wondering if Sam could ever feel the same. But for now, Alex chose silence, hiding her feelings behind the comforting role she had taken on in Sam's life.

Even though she kept her love concealed, she found solace in being close to Sam, knowing she was helping her in the ways she could. It was bittersweet, but for Alex, being there for Sam—whether as a friend or something more—was worth the sacrifice.