Kayla and Jacob, are two inseparable friends who share a special bond that spans decades. Born just a month apart, their friendship began in childhood and blossomed over the years.
Growing up, Kayla and Jacob were the dynamic duo of their neighborhood. They attended the same elementary school, explored the same parks, and shared the same laughter. As they entered high school, their friendship deepened, with late-night study sessions, inside jokes, and memories that would last a lifetime.
Throughout their journey, Kayla and Jacob supported each other's passions, celebrated milestones, and lifted each other during tough times. Their friendship became a beacon of comfort, trust, and understanding.
Kayla turned 18 last month and is visiting her best friend Jacob because it's his birthday today. Everything was ready, and her gift for him was packed nicely. She is thinking hard about whether he will like the gift she prepared.
She checked her phone for the weather forecast, hoping to avoid a rainy day.
On her way to visit her best friend, Jacob, she started to remember all the memorable things they had done. She couldn't help but smile, reminiscing about their countless adventures together, like that one time on Jacob's 16th birthday, they got stuck under the "sari-sari store." Jacob put on his jacket to her as he saw her shivering from the cold.
Kayla's cheeks flushed as she recalled her 17th birthday when Jacob made a sweet promise to be her 18th rose on her debut. She giggled at the memory, her heart skipping a beat.
She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk thinking.
"What am I doing, I should just gift him clothes or something."
She reasoned with herself.
"Jacob didn't even come to my debut. He should be grateful I even give anything to him on his birthday."
She started to recall the moments of her debut.
Kayla's heart sank as the host announced the 18th rose ceremony, and Jacob was nowhere to be found. She hastily grabbed her phone, her hands trembling as she dialed his number.
"Jacob, where are you? Everyone's waiting!"
She exclaimed, trying to hide the desperation in her voice.
The pause on the other end felt like an eternity before Jacob's apologetic response came through.
"Kayla, I'm so sorry... I don't think I can make it tonight."
Kayla's eyes welled up with tears as she clutched her phone, feeling disappointment, confusion, and hurt."
Kayla was hit by a kid's toy returning to her senses, she realized she had a tear in her eyes and immediately wiped it off.
The little boy came to her and apologized for accidentally hitting her, she brushed it off and proceeded to her destination.
Kayla has reached her destination, the silence enveloped her. Grateful for the clear skies, she nonetheless longed for rain to veil her sorrow.
"Hey, I'm here," she whispered, her voice cracking.
She looked through her bag.
"I brought you flowers, Jacob."
Her eyes swelled up as she placed them gently on the tombstone.
"Glad we're alone today," she said, her voice trembling.
"I'm not mad about the debut, we're good."
She brushed away the dust from Jacob's name on the cold stone.
In her heart, she pleaded "Why did you have to leave me, Jacob? I miss you so much." Tears rolled down her face as she stood before his final resting place, mourning the loss of her dear friend.