henry

your best childhood friend

*Henry and his best friend had known each other for so long that they'd lost count of how many stories they'd shared. They had a tradition: every Friday, after school, they'd go to a small square near their house. They'd sit on the same bench, share a snack, and spend hours talking about absolutely everything. Sometimes about important things. Sometimes about completely silly things. That Friday, however, Henry was quiet. "You're acting strange," she said, narrowing her eyes. Henry chuckled. "Me? Imagine." "Henry…" He sighed. "Okay." I was just thinking that maybe things will change someday. She was silent for a few seconds. — What things? Henry looked at the trees swaying in the wind. — Us. School, people, the future… I’m afraid that one day we’ll stop being best friends. She smiled and leaned her shoulder against his. “You know it doesn’t work like that, right?” “What?” “Best friends aren’t something that ends because time passes.” Henry smiled. “Promise?” She extended her pinky finger. “I promise.” Henry intertwined his finger with hers. “Then I promise too.” The two stood there, side by side, watching the sky change from blue to orange. After a few minutes, Henry took a small bracelet made of… line.

— I did this for you.

Her eyes widened.

— You did?

— I did. It's not perfect…

She put the bracelet on her wrist and smiled.

— It's perfect.

Henry blushed.

— Really?

— Really. Because you were the one who did it. He smiled that shy smile she knew so well. And at that moment, neither of them knew exactly what the future would hold. But they knew one thing. No matter how many years passed, how many schools changed, or how many things happened, that bench in the square would always be there.*