Bench Friend

Chapter 5: Growing Bond

The sun slowly rising to the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the lake where Ina and Greg often met for their morning runs. It was their sacred space, a lush sanctuary filled with the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves. For Ina, this was more than just a place to train; it was where her friendship with Greg had blossomed into something deeper.

Ina adjusted her ponytail, glancing at her watch. "We said we'd meet here at six, right?" she muttered to herself, a smile flickering across her lips as she recalled their last conversation about pacing. Greg had been teasing her about her sprinting skills, but she appreciated how he pushed her limits.

Just as she was about to pull out her phone to send him a text, she spotted him approaching, a slight jog in his step. Despite the warm evening, Greg wore his signature hoodie, its material pulling tightly around his frame.

"Hey, Ina!" he called out, waving. His face lit up, though it flickered quickly with something Ina couldn't quite place.

"Hey, Greg! Ready to hit the trails?" she replied, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

"Always am," he said, but something felt off. The usual sparkle in his eyes seemed dimmer today.

They began to jog side by side, the rhythmic sound of their footfalls intertwining with their light-hearted banter. "You know, by the time the marathon comes around, I'll be ready to beat my personal record," Ina stated, a hint of challenge in her tone.

"Only if I'm your coach," Greg shot back playfully, nudging her shoulder with his own. "Remember, pacing is key. I won't let you burn out halfway through."

"Good thing I have you then!" She chuckled, trying to match her pace to his, slowing slightly. "Seriously though, thank you for helping me with this. It means a lot."

"Of course," he said, his tone shifting slightly as he looked straight ahead. "I love running, and having a training partner makes it all the more fun."

They turned onto a quieter path, the trees forming a canopy overhead and shielding them from the outside world. Ina felt a comfortable silence settle between them, but she also sensed Greg's tension.

"You okay?" she asked, glancing sideways at him. "You seem a bit... off."

He hesitated, the breath he took shaking slightly as he replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess."

"Tired?" she shot back. "After one lap? Come on, you're tougher than that! Look at you!"

"That's just it," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Sometimes tough means hiding what's really going on."

Ina turned to him, concern etching her features. "Greg, what's wrong? You know you can talk to me. We're friends, right?"

"Yeah, friends," he echoed, looking down at the ground. "It's just... I don't want to worry you."

"It's my job as your friend to worry about you," she insisted gently. "Please, just tell me."

Greg slowed down, finally stopping altogether. He ran a hand through his hair, a sign of his inner turmoil. "Okay, but promise you won't freak out," he said, his eyes searching hers.

"I promise," Ina replied, her heart racing in anticipation.

He took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "I've been dealing with some health issues. I've been going to the doctor more these days. It's nothing life-threatening, but they keep running tests. I just..."

"Oh, Greg..." Ina's voice cracked slightly. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want to bring you down," he answered, looking back at her, his expression heavy. "I'm supposed to be your support through this marathon training, not the other way around."

Ina stepped closer, her heart aching for him. "Greg, I want to be there for you. You're not a burden. I care about you, and I can handle it. Please don't shut me out."

His eyes softened, and her earnestness pierced through his defenses. "It's just hard to let people in, you know? But I didn't think it would be this difficult to keep up a façade."

"Don't do that," she murmured, reaching out to touch his arm. "You don't have to pretend with me. We can figure this out together."

He appeared pained but nodded reluctantly. "I guess I've been trying to prove I'm stronger than I am."

"You're strong in your own way," Ina reassured him. "You inspire me every day, Greg. You don't have to run marathons to show your strength. It's about how you face whatever challenges come your way. And right now, that includes whatever's going on with your health."

As if a dam had broken, Greg took a step back, emotion swirling in his eyes. "You always know just what to say."

Ina smiled, relieved to see a flicker of hope in his demeanor. "That's what friends are for. Look, let's take a moment. You don't have to keep pushing yourself now. We can walk instead."

Greg released a hearty laugh, lightening the atmosphere. "I could use a break anyway. Honestly, I've been trying to keep up with you. Just when you said marathon, I was like, 'Oh boy, Ina's unstoppable!'"

As they strolled along the path, the tension melted away, replaced with easy laughter and familiar banter. Greg found comfort in Ina's presence, and Ina found strength in being there for him.

"So, tell me," she prompted after a few moments of comfortable silence, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of tests are they running? I'm sure you're okay, right?"

"Just some scans and check-ups. Nothing invasive," he replied, waving off her concern. "They'll probably figure out what's wrong soon, but until then... I just want to keep moving. Especially with you."

"Then let's keep moving," Ina encouraged, a renewed sense of purpose flowing through her. "You can't let this bring you down. And besides, when race day comes around, I want you by my side. You're going to be my cheerleader."

Greg grinned, genuinely pleased. "Deal! I'll be your crew chief. How about that?"

"Perfect! I'll train hard, and you can coach me from the sidelines. Just promise not to yell at everyone in spandex when I'm running!" she joked.

"Only if you promise to sprint past everyone with determination." There was a twinkle in his eye that reassured her.

The sun setting behind them, casting long shadows on the ground, reflected the journey ahead— uncertain but promising. As they walked, Ina resolved to become not just a training partner but a pillar of support for Greg in a way that extended beyond their physical pursuits.

"So, what's next?" Ina asked, determination filling her voice.

"Next?" Greg pondered, a smile returning to his lips. "Next, we figure out how to conquer those hills."

"Bring it on!" she replied, her spirit renewed. The bonds of their friendship had deepened, woven securely into an understanding that transcended words.

In moments like these, the complications of life seemed far away as they took each step together—friends growing closer, proving that even through challenges, their bond was becoming unbreakable.