the summer i left behind
David
I stood at the edge of the cliff, and the ocean spread out before me like an endless sea of possibility. A warm breeze ruffled my hair, brought forth by the scent of saltwater and the distant laughter of children playing by the beach waves below.
This was the place where we had spent so many lazy afternoons, just me and Jason. But that was before everything fell into shattered pieces and before the silence became unbearable. It was last summer.
This summer is different.
I spent the whole year mourning for a companionship that was once strong and unbreakable. We fought that broke everything, as it often is—words that cut too deep and wounds that would never heal. Since that night, unspoken words piled up like driftwood on a deserted beach, and eventually, the tide carried us apart. But as summer began this year, I set a goal to accomplish. It was to leave everything behind.
The first few weeks seemed dark. I felt lost, adrift without his presence. We had been inseparable, our lives intertwined with water and sand surrounding us. But now, I had to find my new track, maybe to find what's lost in me.
Every morning, I swam in the cold, turquoise waters. Every afternoon and evening, I sat upon the golden sand and watched as the sun dipped into the horizon to reveal its orange and pink hues. The rhythm of my feet became my therapy, taking me further away from the past. I explored places I had never seen and discovered hidden trails and quiet spots by the beach. I began to feel a sense of freedom, something I hadn't known I was missing.
I started meeting new people. It felt strange at first, felt like betraying the bond I once shared with him. But I grow fond of the company of others, learning about the stories of their lives. It was refreshing, and slowly, I began to see the world from a different perspective.
As I settled on the warm sand to watch the sun set, I realized something important. It wasn't about how long the bond was and forgetting about the memories of my friendship with Jameson. It was about accepting that people change and that sometimes we grow up. What mattered was that I was moving forward, carving a new mark for myself.
With the summer nearing its end, I returned to the old oak tree where Jason and I carved our initials one summer night. "D & J, best friends forever," it read. The sun was setting, much like it had at the beginning of this journey. I felt a sense of closure, a quiet peace. I had left behind the boy who depended on someone else to define him. In this place stood someone stronger, more courageous.
I still missed Jameson. I always would. He will always be a part of my story, even if our paths no longer run parallel. But I had me again, where I could face the future without setbacks. The summer I left behind was also the summer I found myself. I am greatful.
And for that, it’s time to leave everything behind.
