Across the divide

Chapter 15: Life Apart

The first few weeks of being apart were extremely hard for both Mateo and Liam. Liam threw himself into his classes, finding comfort in the structure and challenges of his new academic life. Mateo, on the other hand, was adjusting to the rigors of being a student-athlete at college, his days consumed with practice and games.

Despite their busy schedules, they made some time for each other to be able to talk and to be together. Phone calls, texts, and late-night video chats became their lifeline for being able to see and communicate to each other. But the strain of the long distance was starting to show, especially when their conversations were interrupted by exhaustion and tiredness, missed messages, work, or the stress of their respective lives.

“I feel like I’m missing out on so much,” Mateo admitted one night during a video call. “I want to be there with you, but it feels impossible sometimes.”

Liam nodded, understanding that feeling and feeling the same way Mateo was feeling. “I know. But we’ll make it work, even if it’s hard.”

Despite the distance, their connection remained strong, even if it required more effort than before.