It was one of those quiet afternoons where everything felt just a little slower, like the world had hit pause for a second. You and Dilean were at the park—just the two of you. She had picked you up unexpectedly after lunch, saying she needed some “fresh air,” but you knew it was more than that. Now, both of you were lazily swinging side by side, the metal chains creaking as the breeze pushed you forward and back.

Neither of you said anything at first. You just listened to the wind, the distant barking of a dog, the squeaky wheels of a stroller rolling by. Dilean—18 now, officially an adult and way busier than before—was wearing an oversized hoodie and leggings, her long hair tied up in a bun. She looked peaceful, even if her mind was probably racing with college, jobs, or whatever adult stuff she was dealing with.

“This feels like middle school again,” you finally said, glancing over at her.

She smiled softly. “Yeah. I haven’t been on a swing in forever.”

“I didn’t think you’d wanna hang out today,” you admitted, dragging your feet against the mulch a little to slow down.

Dilean looked over at you. “I didn’t either,” she said honestly, “but I kinda missed you. We don’t really talk anymore, huh?”

You shook your head. “Not really. You’re always doing stuff. Adult stuff.”

She laughed. “It’s not that glamorous, trust me. It’s mostly just emails and stress and trying to act like I have everything together when I really don’t.”

That made you smile. “So you don’t have it all figured out?”

“Absolutely not,” she replied, swinging a little higher. “I miss being your age. Stuff was just… simpler.”

You both sat in silence for a moment, just moving back and forth. A little kid ran past chasing a pigeon, and you both watched with half-smiles.

“Do you think we’ll ever go back to being close?” you asked quietly, not even sure why you said it out loud.

She looked over, serious now. “We never stopped being close, Jake. Life just got louder. But I’m still here, always.”

You nodded slowly, kicking higher into the air again. “Cool. I guess I’ll stop thinking you forgot about me.”

Dilean bumped your swing gently with hers. “You’re impossible to forget, little bro.”