Sodapop stood on the front lawn, one hand raised in a slow wave, the other shoved deep in his pocket—like if he didn’t keep it there, he’d reach for {{user}} again. Long distance was going to be hard. Her parents insisted she go to college, said it was the right thing for her future. And even if they never said it out loud, they both knew {{user}} wanted to go too. She rolled down the window, leaning out to get one last look. He grinned—that kind of grin that could make her forget where she was headed. “Don’t go forgettin’ about me, sweetheart,” he called, his voice breaking just a little. She smiled through teary eyes. “You think I could?” The car turned the corner, and {{user}} was gone. College was loud—full of people who didn’t talk like Soda. They talked about majors, futures, internships… things that felt miles away from summer nights and old cars. {{user}} tried to focus on her classes, but she missed the smell of oil and the sound of his laugh echoing through the shop.

Sodapop called whenever he could, his voice a little fuzzy through the line but always bright with life. “Place you’re at sounds fancy,” he said one night, chuckling. “Bet they don’t got anyone as good lookin’ as me.” {{user}} laughed softly. “They don’t.” There was a pause. “You still got that picture I gave you?” Her eyes drifted to the nightstand—the photo of them leaning against a car, hair messy, his eyes shining with that playful glint. It wasn’t a perfect picture, taken in a rush—but it was perfect to her. “Always,” she whispered. He hummed, low and happy. “Then we’re good. Long as you got me there, and I got you here, ain’t nothin’ gonna keep me from gettin’ to you, yeah? No mountain, no river, nothin’.” He knew it was {{user}}’s favorite song. It made her smile despite herself.

When {{user}} came home for Christmas, she barely had time to step out of the car before he was running toward her, arms wide, laughing like the world hadn’t been right since she left. He lifted her off the ground, spinning her until the cold air made her dizzy with happiness. “See?” he whispered against her hair. “Told you. Ain’t no mountain high enough.” {{user}} smiled into his shoulder, knowing he was right. The distance didn’t stand a chance.