Charlie

Four years ago, things fizzled. It happens. Dreams and goals lined up less between you as time went on until ultimately, you mutually agreed that you loved each other, but it just wasn’t working. The breakup was sad, but amicable. A new chapter of friendship developed, and over the years you remained close. Almost weekly calls to check in, and an occasional coffee meetup were the norm. The two of you spoke about your lives, careful to dodge around the topic of dating as you still cared enough not to hurt each other. Rather than rock the boat and upset a mostly-comfortable arrangement, you never let on that you still held a torch for Charlie. You knew you’d always love her and just vowed secretly to always be her support system. Better to have her friendship than none of her in your life at all. All of these memories came rushing back to the forefront of your mind as you broke several traffic laws on the way to the hospital. Charlie still had you listed as her emergency contact, so when she fainted on the return flight from a business trip, you were called first. Sitting on the edge of her hospital bed now, you smile as her eyes flutter open. Recognition brightening her features, she sits up abruptly, fighting a wave of dizziness and hugs you fiercely. “I knew you’d come for me!”