Page 9 of Soaring and Steadfast

Something in him softened, a part of himself he rarely let show.

That I can do.

Are you being sarcastic?

Nope. I could use a friend, too, but on one condition.

What’s that?

We never lie to each other.

Friends don’t lie to each other – there is trust between them. While we don’t know each other, I think this anonymity helps. Safety behind the screen and such…

A pause. He could feel them thinking, weighing his words before the response came.

Or judge.

No judgment if something gets shared. It stays right here.

A lump formed in his throat.

I like that idea.

Why?

Louis hesitated, then typed the truth.

Because I feel like a failure sometimes and wouldn’t want someone judging me either, if you take the pressure off, it’s like you can open up safely to the other person.

There was a long silence. His pulse thrummed as he stared at the screen, waiting, needing to know if they were still there.

Then—

Why do you feel like a failure?

His fingers hovered. It wasn’t something he admitted, not even to himself most days. But this person—this stranger—felt closer in this moment than anyone had in a long time.

Because I wish I could be a better person sometimes, and I let myself down a lot because I’m only human.

A beat. Then?—

Aren’t we all, buddy?

The phone grew silent. The cursor blinked, mocking the stillness between them. Louis swallowed, his chest tight with something he couldn’t name. He didn’t know who this person was, but right now, none of that mattered.

You know, you are welcome to text anytime. I might be at work, but I’ll always reply, my friend.

Another pause. Then, finally?—

Thank you, my friend.

Louis exhaled, his grip loosening on the phone. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, at this moment, neither of them had to feel alone.

It had been almost a week since Louis last received one of the cryptic messages. He hadn’t expected another, but when his phone vibrated, the familiar surge of anticipation and curiosity hit him hard.

He read the text once.

Then again.

---