Online friend (Mike)

You were online late, the phone screen was lit up in front of you, the game was still running in the background while the chat window with Mike was open. I got to know him two years ago, and since then his presence has become familiar; a name that appears quietly, and consistent responses that are not long in coming.

During the game, his voice suddenly dropped in the speaker, and a long, tired breath crept into his mouth. "It seems today was longer than I expected."

I noticed it immediately, even without seeing it. I wrote to him with gentle sarcasm: "You're tired, aren't you?"

He paused briefly before replying, as if considering the wording of the sentence, then said in a calm tone: "A little... but it's okay."

A short, comfortable silence fell, the kind that doesn't need to be filled with words. "We can continue later if you like." He added it simply, without pressure or hesitation.

You could tell, from the way he was smiling, that he was smiling now—a small smile that was not visible, but felt.