The water rippled as the stone crashed into it, sending out soothing waves to Sebastian’s feet. He shuddered as a cold breeze washed over him and clung harder to his sweater. The pond was freezing this time of the year, but he refused to let it deter him.
Twenty long years had passed since he had last stood here, at this very same spot, when he had taken his oath. As he stared at the crystal clear water, the painfully buried memories resurfaced in his eyes, playing in flashback like an old cassette.

"Seb you idiot, come back here!"

The sparkling sound of laughter filled the air as Adrian chased after his best friend. It was a surprisingly warm morning for a small Michigan town experiencing winter. The two boys were out at their favourite spot in the tiny world they knew, a fresh pond, hidden in the lush forest bordering their homes.

Sebastian continued to run, desperate to save his chocolates from Adrian, a.k.a. the evil Cocoa Monster. Unfortunately, he was soon caught, his precious sweets stolen and consumed. The two friends returned to their seats on the large rock at the edge of the pond. The air suddenly weighed heavily on them as they remembered the purpose of their impromptu meeting.

"When do you leave?" Adrian's voice cut through the silence.

Sebastian sighed and answered in a single word,” Tonight.”

“So this is it?” Adrian whispered tears were starting to leak from his eyes. “Is this how it ends?”

The clouds were now overshadowing them, blocking the sun from shining upon Adrian and Sebastian as if Apollo himself couldn’t bear to see the sight. To see a true friendship end, was one of the saddest things in existence.

Adrian suddenly jumped up in exclamation and rambled as he had his eureka moment, “How about we make a promise, that we will meet again. On this exact same day, at this very spot, fifteen years later, no matter where we are, even if we have lost touch by then, we will meet!”

It was an oath, with all the innocence of a seven-year-old. Sebastian nodded and wiped his tears, jumping into the water beside Adrian as he did. With all the solemnity he could muster, he swore, "I promise!”

The two kindred souls shook hands in the most business-y way they could, just like they had seen in the movies. It was cheesy, funny, cute and genuine, just like their friendship. All until Adrian cracked up. Peals of laughter burst out of their mouths, their grins extending to their ears. Looking at them at that moment, no one would ever guess the vow they had made just moments ago. All they would see was two friends, close as brothers.

Tears streaked Sebastian's cheeks as he stared off into the sky, letting out a guttural yell. Adrian had died in a car accident eight years ago. Seb had attended the funeral and carried the coffin on his shoulders, weeping like a child all throughout the gloomy affair.

Now he stood, in the sacred spot, on the promised day, but without anyone by his side. Clutching the hand he had used to make the deal, Seb whispered, "You promised, Adrian. You promised!"

Reduced to sobs, Sebastian hung his head down, his tear-filled gaze drooping to the watery reflection below. But to no avail, for it only reflected his soul, nostalgic and broken but most of all, alone. A late autumn leaf broke from the tree above, fluttering down in a fairytale dance. After a slow minute, it became one with the water, and look what the ripples beheld!

It was Adrian, standing right behind his best friend, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder. The spirit grinned at Sebastian, its eyes sparkling with mischief, causing a soft smile on the latter's face. That's when it dawned upon him, he never was alone. Bonded to Adrian, soulmates they were. Sebastian opened his mouth, only to whisper another vow, "I am never letting you leave me ever again, for you are my soul, my significant annoyance."


© archaios <3