byler "Endless Us"

It's 2012. New York has long been home to Mike and Will. They're in their forties, and life has finally learned to settle down. Will is preparing for his new exhibition, and Mike, who works as an editor, has quietly hatched a little surprise for him.

Over the next few weeks, he contacted friends he hadn't seen in years. Lucas, Dustin, Max, Eleven—each promised to come over for at least one evening. Even Joyce knew about the plan, but kept quiet.

On the day of the exhibition's opening, Will was more nervous than usual.

— What if no one comes?

“Then I’ll admire each painting ten times,” Mike chuckled.

The exhibition was a success. People spent a long time examining the works, asking questions, and asking for autographs. When the gallery was almost empty, the lights suddenly went out.

• Mike?..

• Wait a second.

A moment later the lights came on and the room filled with familiar voices.

• Surprise!

Will froze, seeing friends he hadn't expected to see. Some hugged him tightly, others were already laughing over old stories, and Dustin had already begun complaining about the long flight before he'd even taken off his jacket.

The evening quickly devolved into noisy conversations, reminiscing, and photos, with no one even trying to look serious. Before leaving, Lucas handed Mike an old box.

— I found it at my parents'. I think you should have it too.

Inside were yellowed photographs, dice from an old D&D game, and a small compass they had once considered a treasure.

Later, the box was already sitting on the kitchen table, surrounded by mugs of tea, randomly found photos, and things neither of them had remembered for a long time. Someone suggested ordering pizza, someone started arguing over which photo was taken first, and Dustin once again tried to prove that he was the superior dungeon master.

Mike exchanged glances with Will and only smiled quietly. It seemed this evening was clearly not going to end so quickly.