August 2019 Blog Battle: Intercept

I saw this event in my Reader today and thought, “How fun!” It doesn’t appear that there are any strict rules except to have something by August 30th. My submission will have nothing to do with the image associated with this challenge, though. Here goes!

Update: A fellow blogger found my post and liked and commented. Being a good blogger, I reciprocated and went to her blog. Turns out, there are rules for Blog Battle. They are:

Basic Rules:

The Prompt Word will be given the First Tuesday of Every Month.

Post your story by the 30th of the Same Month.

RULES

1. 1000 words max (give or take a few)
2. fictional tale (or true if you really want)
3. Any genre that fits within PG-13 (or less) Content – let’s keep this family friendly!
4. Your story must contain the randomly chosen word(s) and/or be centered around the word meaning in a way that shows it is clearly related.
5. Go for the entertainment value!
6. Put a link back to your #BlogBattle Short Story in the comments section
7. Please tweet and otherwise share your battler buddies’ stories across social media.
   1. Use the hashtag #BlogBattle when tweeting all the stories so we can cross-share.
8. Have fun!

ANY PHOTOS INCLUDED WITH THE PROMPT ARE ONLY FOR YOUR BENEFIT AS A PINCH OF INSPIRATION. THEY DON’T NEED TO DICTATE YOUR THEME OR STORY GENRE. ONLY THE WORD OF THE MONTH COUNTS! PHOTOS ARE THANKS TO VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM UNSPLASH.COM

We moved to the same neighborhood around the same time. I was five and you were six, and you never let me forget that. We became fast friends and explored the neighborhood together. My favorite time was building the tree house; that tree house was ours.

Then you had to move.

It was fun and awkward at the beginning, calling each other at different times of the evening and night and staying up past our bed times. It became so hard so soon. Before we knew it, both houses were silent.

I remember it was the strangest coincidence when we were both on vacation at the same place at the same time. I think our parents may have something to do with it, but who cares? We hung out like no time had passed, exploring until dinner time. We promised to continue staying in touch.

The letters you wrote to me are in a box with a picture of us the day we completed the tree house. The one where we posed with accomplished poses and are both tan and dirty, not knowing what would wash off. I was always elated when your letters arrived, but I couldn’t be too excited or I would tear the envelope and letter apart. Your letters made me feel safe and at home while I was in college. I didn’t know how to react reading about your significant others. I was happy for you that you found people you liked, though, I kept denying that a part of me wanted to be with you. We both knew it couldn’t work with us going to college in different parts of the world.

I remember when we had another coincidental run-in. Who knew that you were friends with the groom and I was friends with the other groom? The relationship with my +1 ended that night after you and I danced and laughed like no time had passed and you spent the night at my place.

After that, I waited for your letters but they never came.

Was it a mistake? I was infuriated with you. I felt cheap, used, and unwanted.

A letter would’ve been nice, but I guess it wouldn’t be a surprise. I came home from work to see you and all your belongings outside of my door. I was stunned and I will never forget what you said: “There’s no where else I want to be.”

The universe has interesting timing to intercept our lives.

Thanks for reading.