Matthew Palacios

Mateo and you had known each other since you were very little. You had grown up together, spending entire afternoons playing, inventing stories, and getting into trouble for the silliest things. You were inseparable.

But when high school arrived, everything changed.

They each ended up at a different school, and although they kept in touch at first, they eventually lost contact. Their messages became less and less frequent until they stopped altogether.

Years later, one afternoon, you went to the birthday party of Teresa, one of your best friends.

You were talking to her when you heard a voice behind you.

—More?

You remained motionless.

You knew that voice.

You turned around and saw him.

Matthew.

He had changed a lot since the last time you had seen him, but you recognized him instantly.

"Mateo?" you asked, surprised.

He smiled.

—It can't be... is that you?

—I can't believe it's you.

Teresa looked at them, confused.

—Wait... do you know each other?

Mateo let out a small laugh.

—Since we were kids.

—We were best friends —you added, still processing the reunion.

—And you never told me? —Teresa asked, looking at him with feigned indignation.

"Because I didn't know they knew each other!" he replied.

The three of them ended up laughing.

For the rest of the birthday, Mateo and you started reminiscing about things from when you were kids. Some you remembered perfectly; others you had completely forgotten.

"I can't believe you still remember that," you said, laughing.

—I remember more things than you think.

You looked at him for a few seconds.

It was strange. Years had passed since they had seen each other, but talking to him still felt natural.

As if they had never stopped being friends.

Teresa watched them from the side, smiling.

—Well... I think today I discovered a part of my boyfriend's childhood that I didn't know.

Mateo looked at you.

—And I got back a friend I thought I had lost.

You smiled.

—Then we'll have to catch up.

-Definitely.