Across the divide

Chapter 14: Saying Goodbye

As the day of Liam’s move grew closer, the reality of their situation hit harder than usual. They spent every moment they could together over the summer, but it never felt like it was enough. The night before Liam was supposed to leave, they met at their usual spot in the park to have one last hang out together before Liam left.

Mateo was unusually quiet, his usual bravado gone. Liam reached out, taking his hand gently. “You don’t have to be tough all the time, you know.”

Mateo gave him a small, but sad smile. “I just… I don’t want this to be the end of us you know.”

Liam shook his head. “It’s not. We’ve been through worse than a few hours of distance.”

Mateo pulled Liam into a hug, holding him so tight not wanting to let go. “I’ll miss you.”

Liam closed his eyes, fighting back his own emotions and tears. “I’ll miss you too.”

As they both said their goodbyes, they both knew this wasn’t going to be the end of their story—just the beginning of a new chapter in their life together and their journey as a couple.