Miles Apart, Hearts Together

Chapter 9: Building the Future

The days following Karim's message felt different to Amara. There was an excitement that bubbled beneath the surface of her everyday life, a sense of possibility that she hadn't felt in a long time. It wasn't just the thought of Karim coming to visit, but the knowledge that they were both working toward something together—that they were no longer just dreaming about the future, but actively making it happen.

Amara found herself constantly checking her phone, hoping for another message from him. She felt antsy, like she was waiting for something important, and every notification from him made her heart race. He hadn't updated her yet on the specifics, but the very fact that he was planning, that he was serious, was enough to keep her spirits high.

That morning, as Amara sat at her usual spot in the café near her school, scrolling through her messages, she saw a new one from Karim. She grinned and quickly tapped it open, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves.

Video Message from Karim

She pressed play.

The screen opened to reveal Karim standing in front of what looked like a travel agency. He was smiling, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Hey, Amara," he greeted her, his voice filled with energy. "I've been doing some research, and I think I've got an idea about when I might be able to come. It's not set in stone yet, but I'm getting closer to figuring it out."

Amara leaned in, her fingers gripping her phone as she watched his face, waiting for the next piece of information.

"I've been looking at flights and visas, and it looks like it might happen sooner than I expected." He paused, as if he was savoring the moment before delivering the news. "I'm hoping for around six months from now. I know that's still a little while, but I wanted to share it with you because it feels so real now."

Amara's heart skipped a beat. Six months. It wasn't long at all in the grand scheme of things. She smiled, already picturing the moment when he would finally be standing in front of her.

"I've already started saving, and I'm going to keep you updated as things move forward," Karim continued, his voice steady and confident. "I want this to happen, Amara. I'm making it happen."

Amara could barely believe what she was hearing. Six months. That was so much closer than she had imagined. She quickly hit record to send her response.

"Six months," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That feels... real. I can't believe it. I'm so happy you're taking these steps, Karim. I'm already counting down the days."

She paused, a lump in her throat as she struggled to put her feelings into words. "I've been thinking about us a lot lately. About how much I want to show you everything here, to walk those streets with you, to finally meet you. And six months—six months doesn't feel like a lifetime anymore. It feels like it's right around the corner."

She smiled into the camera, her heart full. "I'll be here, waiting, just like I promised."

She hit send, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her chest as she did. There was a sense of finality in her words, as though a huge milestone had been passed. It wasn't just about the meeting anymore. It was about the journey, the process of coming together, step by step.

As the days passed, Amara began to make small plans of her own. She mapped out the places she wanted to show Karim—the best beaches, the quietest parks, the cafes that served the sweetest pastries. She imagined walking with him, hand in hand, through the streets of Manila, telling him all the stories she had been holding onto for months.

But beyond the places, there was a bigger thought on her mind. She began thinking about their future after the meeting. What would it look like when they weren't just talking through a screen? Would they find ways to keep the connection alive even when they were in the same place, with no time zones between them? Could they bridge the gap from virtual love to real-life love?

It was all a bit overwhelming, but Amara knew that they would face it together. Whatever came after the six months, they would find their way through it.

Later that evening, Amara stood by the bay again, staring out at the water. The sky had turned a deep shade of purple, the city lights reflecting on the surface of the water. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to find a message from Karim.

It was simple—just a photo of his shoes on the cobbled streets of Algiers, the familiar background of his city in the distance. But the caption was enough to make her smile.

Taking steps every day. I'm getting closer.

Amara's heart warmed as she stared at the photo. She couldn't wait to take those steps with him, side by side.