I called out his name, and he turned around, my childhood friend. We grew up together, playing in the garden near the fence where Ema would often go to play her harp in the evenings. Jude was Ema's number one fan; he would sing songs of praise, making Ema's face turn red with shyness. He lived next door, but you would often find him at our house, to the extent that newcomers to the neighborhood would think he was part of the Earhart family.
My dad would always take him along wherever he went, and Jude's parents didn't mind. They even referred to him as "Harmel Earhart's son." By DNA, you could tell he was their son; there was a striking resemblance. Unfortunately, Jude and his family relocated abroad when we were seven, and I lost contact with him for a long time.
We were both born in the same year and month, and people often called us twins. The look on his face showed he was just as surprised to see me. We were both speechless, and we hugged each other tightly. Jude always had the biggest smile, and I was overwhelmed with happiness, not even noticing how grown and built he had become.
Our display of happiness drew everyone's attention. When I pulled back from the hug, I took a closer look at him. His skin was lighter than I remembered, his thick eyebrows flowing in unity, his lips even and soft, with a pinkish hue like a newborn's. His pointed nose and blue ocean eyes were striking. Jude's curly black hair was silky and beautiful.
His beauty was captivating, and anyone could fall in love at first sight. Men would dream of being like him, living in fear of losing their women to him. Nevertheless, Jude was humble, with all the characteristics every woman would dream of. Even his voice was heavenly.
We held each other, exchanging pleasantries, reminiscing about our childhood days, oblivious to our surroundings. When his number was called for clearance, I sat down, and he walked into the office. Eyes followed him, and when the door closed, I felt chilly gazes toward me.
He came out and sat beside me. We discussed our past, laughing and reminiscing. When it was my turn for clearance, Jude gave me a reassuring look, as if he knew I'd be fine. The doctor explained my chest and blood pressure issues.
Afterward, Jude walked me to my hostel, and I learned he lived in his own apartment nearby. I was happy for him but wished my dad would let me live alone too. Surprisingly, Jude agreed with my dad's decision, saying it wasn't safe for me to live alone during my first year.
Yesterday, Jude and I talked for hours, as if it was our last meeting. Today, I rushed to finish my clearance. Everything went smoothly, unlike the medical process, which was tiring. Meeting Jude again made my day; I smiled like I'd won the lottery.
By next week, lectures would begin, and today was Thursday. I dialed Jude's number, and he called simultaneously, as if we were thinking the same thing. We laughed at the coincidence. He asked where I was, and I told him I was heading to the library.
I invited him to join me, and we agreed to meet at the library entrance. As I waited, I thought about how much Jude had changed and grown. His humility and kindness remained unchanged.
When Jude arrived, we walked into the library together, lost in conversation. We spent hours studying and reminiscing about our childhood. Our reunion brought back memories, and our friendship was rekindled.
As the sun began to set, Jude walked me back to my hostel, ensuring my safety. We promised to meet again soon and continue our studies together.