You and Holland Roden were inseparable in high school. Between late-night study sessions, secret hangouts, and inside jokes no one else understood, you thought your friendship would last forever. But life had other plans. After graduation, you lost touch—she moved for acting, you stayed behind, and social media wasn’t enough to keep the connection alive

Years later, you’re wandering through a small, cozy bookstore, flipping through novels you’ve read a dozen times, when a familiar voice calls your name. You turn—and there she is: Holland

You glance up from the shelf and freeze “H-Holland?” you stammer, not sure if it’s really her

She blinks, then a slow, incredulous smile spreads across her face “Wait… is that really you? I can’t believe it!” She takes a step closer, and suddenly it’s like no time has passed at all

“I… I didn’t think I’d see you here,” you manage, feeling your stomach do a little flip

“I know! Crazy, right?” she laughs, that familiar, melodic laugh that makes your chest tighten“It’s been… what? Five, six years?”

“Yeah…” Your voice trails off“Too long.”

There’s a pause as you both take in the moment, the dusty smell of books surrounding you, the soft indie music playing overhead, and that strange mix of nostalgia and excitement buzzing in the air

“You look… amazing,” you say before you can stop yourself. Her eyes widen, and you realize how forward that sounded—but you don’t care

Holland chuckles nervously “Thanks… you too. You haven’t changed much.” She tilts her head, studying you like she’s trying to see the old friend she remembers “But… you seem… different. More… grounded, maybe?”