The Little Girl Who Kept the Memories Alive

One year I will never forget is 2011. It gave me memories that have stayed with me till today. In fact, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and many of the experiences that shaped me started that year.

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One of those memories is about the family of seven that became our new neighbours.

Out of their five children, I became close to three of them. The second born became my best friend, the third born became my first love, and their last born, a little girl back then, always enjoyed my company.

The few months we spent together felt like a lifetime. I enjoyed every moment and truly felt alive. But it didn’t last long because that same year, I graduated from secondary school.

I was in love with her and didn’t want to leave home. I was ready to let go of every other opportunity just to stay close to her. Unfortunately, the love was one-sided.

That experience shattered me.

Instead of holding on, I decided to focus on myself. That decision made me leave home. I left my first love, my best friend, and the little girl behind.

I lost my first love and our friendship. As for my best friend, we spoke on the phone once in a while, but it was never the same. Distance slowly changed our relationship.

And the little girl? Hmm…

Fast forward to 11 years later.

That little girl is now a grown woman. She still remembers everything, how we used to sit together, how I played with her brother and sister, and the moments we all shared. She cherishes those memories just as much as I do, and we have stayed connected on social media.
Last month, she asked me, “When was the last time you spoke to my brother?”

I replied, “About two years ago, on his birthday.”

She was surprised. “Two years? How come you both don’t check on each other anymore?”

I explained that I had always been the one reaching out until I eventually stopped, not because I no longer valued our friendship, but because we were no longer the same people we were in 2011.

Life happened.

We grew up, faced different challenges, learned different lessons, met new people, and changed in ways we never imagined. We weren’t adults back then, and I didn’t want to keep forcing a connection that no longer came naturally. I still value him, and I will always appreciate the memories we shared.

She understood.

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Then she told me her brother would be getting married very soon this year. I asked her not to tell him she had told me. She understood and agreed.

So, what is the point of this story?

Sometimes, it is the people we least expect who end up valuing our relationship the most.

The people we think have forgotten the memories are sometimes the ones who hold on to them the longest.

My first love has moved on.
My best friend has moved on.

But their little sister, who was just a child back then, still remembers the good old days.

And somehow, knowing that those memories still live in someone’s heart makes me happy.

Not every relationship is meant to last forever.

But the memories we create with people can live on for a lifetime.

Just call me Burl.
I am a professional gamer, motivational speaker and a crypto enthusiast
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