The Last Message

At 2:13 a.m., Emma received a message from her best friend, Daniel. “I'm sorry. I should have told you the truth.” She stared at the screen, confused. Daniel had moved to another city three years ago, and they hadn't spoken since. Before she could reply, another message arrived. “Check the old tree behind our school.” The next morning, Emma returned to the place where they had spent their childhood. Beneath the tree, she found a small metal box hidden under the roots. Inside was a photograph of the two of them, a friendship bracelet, and a folded letter. *Dear Emma,* *I didn't leave because I stopped caring. I left because my family moved suddenly, and I was too afraid to say goodbye. I thought you'd forget me eventually.* *I never forgot you.* Emma's eyes filled with tears. All those years, she had believed she hadn't mattered enough for him to stay in touch. She took out her phone and typed, “You idiot. I waited for your message for three years.” Then she paused, smiled through her tears, and added: “Coffee tomorrow?” Three dots appeared on her screen. Then came the reply. “Only if you promise not to disappear again.” Emma laughed. Some friendships don't end. Sometimes, they just wait for someone to find the way back.