The day I left the school came like any other, just with a heavier feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I stood at the gate, one last look at the school grounds where everything had changed for me. The familiar paths, the classrooms where we’d laughed and talked, the hallways where we’d exchanged glances — they all felt distant now, as though they belonged to another life.
I couldn’t say goodbye to everything.
But I knew it wasn’t really goodbye — not to her, not to the friendship we’d built.
Before I left, I sent her a message.
“I guess this is it. I won’t be at the school anymore, but I really hope you’ll do great. You’re going to be amazing, I know it. Just take care of yourself, okay?”
Her reply came swiftly, as always, and even through the screen, I could feel her warmth.
“I’ll miss you around here, but I understand. I know you’ll do what’s best for you. And hey, don’t think this is the end. I’m just a message away. And I’ll always be here, no matter what.”
The simple truth in those words made everything feel more bearable.
Even though I was leaving the school, I wasn’t leaving her. We’d be okay.
We’d always be okay.
In a way, I didn’t need to say much more.
We both knew. We were still friends.
And that was enough.
I hoped for the best for her — hoped that she’d shine, that she’d achieve everything she dreamed of, and that life would unfold beautifully for her.
But a part of me still wished, in the deepest corners of my heart, that somehow, we’d find a way back to the same path — back to the same school. It wasn’t the end, not for us. I didn’t believe it.
In the meantime, I’d keep her close in a way that only time could allow.
Through the quiet messages.
Through the moments that would pop up in random conversations, when we’d laugh like we always did.
I knew this wasn’t the last time I’d hear from her.
And I wouldn’t let it be.
I wouldn’t let any distance — no matter how far — stop us from being the friends we were.
Her friend.
So, as the gates closed behind me, I took a deep breath.
With the wind in my hair, and the soft echo of our words still lingering in my heart, I walked forward.
And somewhere inside, I promised myself:
No matter how far I went, no matter where life took us —
we would always find our way back.
