Far Yet Forever

Chapter 08

“The past has a way of resurfacing when we least expect it, not to pull us back, but to remind us of how far we’ve come.” —

It was an ordinary evening when I received another message from my ex. I had half-forgotten about him, having pushed him to the back of my mind after our earlier exchanges. But there it was, his name lighting up my phone screen again. This time, however, his message was different—far from the usual attempts at reconciliation I had expected.

Hey, I know you probably don’t want to hear from me, but I need to talk.

I hesitated before replying, and my curiosity piqued despite my better judgment. What’s up?

I’ve been going through some tough times, he started, his words carrying an unexpected weight. My studies haven’t been going well, and my music career, which I thought was going to be my escape, is falling apart too.

I stared at the screen, caught off guard by the raw honesty in his message. This wasn’t the self-assured ex I remembered; this was someone who seemed genuinely lost and vulnerable. He went on to describe how his dreams had crumbled, how he felt like he was spiraling into a place he couldn’t escape from.

I thought you might understand, he continued. You’ve always been someone who could see through the surface. I don’t expect you to help, but I just needed to get this off my chest.

The honesty of his confession struck me deeply. Here was someone who once caused me so much pain, now reaching out not with demands or apologies but with an earnest need to share his struggles. It was a side of him I had never seen before, and it threw me for a loop.

I found myself reflecting on how people could change, how even those who once hurt us could face their own battles. It was surreal to hear him speak of his downfall, of the dreams that had slipped through his fingers. I wondered if this was an attempt at some form of redemption or merely a plea for empathy.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling, I typed back, my response tempered with a mixture of compassion and detachment. I hope you find a way through it.

Thanks, he replied. I didn’t expect you to respond so kindly, but I appreciate it.

As I read his final message, I felt a strange mix of emotions—sympathy for his plight, relief at not being caught up in his troubles, and an acknowledgment of how much I had grown. His struggles, while significant, were no longer my burden to carry.

The conversation ended, leaving me with a sense of closure and a reminder of how much life had changed since we last spoke. It was an unexpected turn in our story, one that reminded me of the complexity of human connections and the ways in which they evolve over time.

As I put my phone down after the unexpected conversation with my ex, another message came through. It was Aarin. The timing seemed almost uncanny, as if he knew exactly when I needed a bit of normalcy.

Hey, just checking in. How’s your evening going?

His message was a beacon of light amid the emotional turbulence I’d just experienced. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, trying to shake off the lingering heaviness from my ex’s revelations.

Hey, I replied, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. Just had an unexpected conversation with someone from my past.

Aarin’s response was quick, his concern evident even through the screen.

That sounds intense. If you want to talk about it, I’m here. But if you need space, that’s okay too.

I appreciated his offer, but I didn’t want to burden him with the details of my ex’s struggles. It wasn’t Aarin’s responsibility to handle my past.

Thanks, Aarin. I think I just needed to process it on my own for now. But I’m glad you’re here.

His reply was reassuring, as always.

Anytime. Just know that I’m here, no matter what.

I smiled at his message, feeling a wave of comfort. Even though my day had been filled with unexpected turns, Aarin’s consistent presence felt like a steady anchor amidst the chaos. It was in these small, meaningful moments that I realized how much his support meant to me.