Far Yet Forever

Chapter 04

"True connection isn't measured by time spent together, but by moments when someone shows up for you, even when they don't have to."

The conversation between us had become casual, almost routine. We exchanged texts about everything and nothing—what we were doing, random thoughts, and sometimes, deeper questions. There was an ease to it now, as if we had known each other much longer than we actually had.

One afternoon, as I was lounging on my bed, trying to shake off the tiredness from the night before, my phone buzzed with a new notification. I expected it to be him, but instead, it was a message from my friend's mom. My heart sank the moment I saw her name.

Can we talk? I need to know more about what's been going on with your friend.

I froze. I already knew what this was about. My friend had been caught by her parents for having a boyfriend—something they absolutely wouldn't tolerate. I hadn't heard from her since she told me what happened, and now her mom was reaching out to me, probably looking for answers.

I stared at the message, unsure of what to do. My mind began to race with all the possible outcomes. What if I said the wrong thing? What if I made things worse for her? What if this would ruin her relationship with her parents even more?

Instead of replying, I put my phone down, feeling the weight of overthinking settle in. My thoughts spiraled, and the longer I sat there, the more I convinced myself that anything I said would backfire.

Just then, another message came through—this time from him.

Hey, what's up? You seem quiet today.

I hesitated, then decided to tell him what was going on. Somehow, he had a way of making me feel like I could share things I would normally keep to myself.

My friend's mom just texted me. My friend got caught with a boyfriend, and now her parents are freaking out. I don't know what to say. I'm overthinking it all.

A few moments passed before his reply came in.

That sounds rough. But hey, don't overthink it too much. You care about your friend, and whatever you say will come from a good place. Maybe just talk to her first? See how she's feeling before you decide what to say to her mom.

His words were simple, but they calmed me in a way I hadn't expected. I hadn't even thought of reaching out to my friend before talking to her mom.

Yeah, maybe I should do that, I replied, feeling a little lighter.

You've got this, he texted back. Just be there for her. You'll figure it out.

Taking his advice, I sent a message to my friend, asking how she was holding up. She replied quickly, and I could tell she was anxious but relieved to have someone to talk to. We spent the next hour going over everything that happened, and soon, it didn't feel as overwhelming as it had before. After talking to her, I felt more confident about what to say to her mom.

Later that evening, the issue started to resolve itself, little by little. Her parents, though upset, began to calm down, and my friend was able to explain her side. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.

Thanks for the advice earlier. It really helped, I texted him later that night.

Anytime, he replied. Glad it worked out.

For the first time in a while, I felt like I had handled something well, and a part of me knew that his calm presence had made all the difference.

I found out later that while I was spiraling into my thoughts, he had actually been in the middle of watching a movie. Yet, instead of getting lost in his own world, he had chosen to help me navigate mine.

I was watching a movie when you texted, he admitted when I thanked him. But it felt more important to make sure you were okay.

I stared at his message, feeling a strange warmth. It wasn't often that someone paused their own life just to be there for me, especially someone I had only known for such a short time. His willingness to drop everything and help, even from afar, left me feeling both grateful and surprised.

Thanks, I replied, genuinely meaning it. You didn't have to, but I'm really glad you did.

Of course, he texted back. Movies can wait. Helping you out felt more important.

In that moment, I realized how rare it was to find someone who, even from a distance, cared enough to stop whatever they were doing just to make sure I was okay. It made me appreciate him in a way I hadn't expected.