Eddie’s breakup with Anne had left cracks in him—ones he didn’t always let show. You never got along with her, not really. But you were his best friend. His person. So you stayed quiet, offered support where you could, even when it hurt to watch him bend himself for someone who didn’t truly see him.

Since the breakup, he hadn’t talked much about her. Not to you, at least. But you knew him. You could see the weight he carried, how it never really left his shoulders.

It was nearly midnight when your phone lit up with his name. The ring cut through the quiet of your room like a warning. Something was off. You didn’t hesitate.

“Eddie?” you answered, already sitting up in bed.

There was a pause. Then the sound of his breathing—shaky, unsteady, like he was trying not to fall apart. He didn’t say anything right away, and that said everything.

“Eddie, hey… I’m here. What happened?”

You could hear him swallow hard on the other end.

“She’s engaged,” he finally said, his voice low and rough. “I just—found out.”

Another pause. Like it took everything in him to hold it together.

“I’m sorry for calling you so late, but… please—”

He didn’t finish the sentence. Couldn’t. But he didn’t have to.

You were already grabbing your keys.

“Where are you?” you asked, already slipping into your shoes.

Because he didn’t need to ask. And you would always show up for him.