A New Purpose “We were both late, should we have come at all?” “I think so. We both got something out of it in the end,” he replied. “But we both got hurt,” she retorted, stirring her drink. “If I hadn’t pressed ‘send’...” “Then I think we’d both have a few less fun memories to look back on.” He smiled, and she could swear there was a cartoonish twinkle in his eye. “True, we did have fun. Remember the first night you called me?” she asked with a laugh. “Oh yeah, I was so nervous I didn’t know what to say for the first half hour.” “You definitely said plenty that night.” “Didn’t I like… apologize the next day?” he inquired, blushing slightly as he sipped to cover it. “You did! Which was… strange, but also kinda sweet.” “Not as sweet as y-” “C’mon, you know you can’t do that.” They sighed together, but both managed a smile. “I know, I know. Care to ruminate over the past some more?” He offered the bottle, and she offered her glass in return. “I wouldn’t mind at all,” she answered with a smile. “How about… oh, this was a doozy. Remember the time I made a meme about something I shouldn’t have?” “Which one, you dork?” They laughed, and she nodded her head. “Yes, I remember. You called the next day to apologize. You’re weird, but I guess I liked the formality.” “You did say you liked your men ‘preppy’ or whatever that meant. Like with smart clothes and stuff, the opposite of Iggy.” “Well yeah, he was hunk but just about as smart as my sister.” “She’s pretty quick though, y’know.” “She was in middle school, we were seniors.” They laughed together, and he refilled their drinks. “So what’s your favorite, out of all of them?” he asked. “Hmmm. That’s a tough one. That was a fun summer, lockdown had just started and it sucked, but it was fun.” “And you still think about not pressing ‘send’.” “Shush, it’s my answer.” She thought in silence for a moment, but both knew the answer before she even said it. “The night you called me on the trampoline when my aunt died. I needed someone, and you were there for me. I know it’s not as fun, but it’s the one I’m the most thankful for.” “Mm, definitely not fun. But I’m glad I was able to help.” They sit quietly for a few moments, and she glances at the time to avoid looking at him. “Oh, what was your favorite?” she asked, despite knowing his answer as well. “Definitely got to be the night we stayed up reading SCP’s and scary stories. It was the stupidest thing ever, and my brother in the next room over got no sleep. But it was fun, and I got to share a little thing I liked with someone I care about.” She giggled, and looked over to see him not meeting her gaze like he used to, instead looking up at the stars above. “Those were nice.” “They were great.” “Do you miss them?” “Heh, yeah. I know it’s the rose tinted glasses doing their work, but it was fun. And it feels like the good times could have lasted longer, or been better, had I done this or that. But I know those are over, and it’s time to make new ones.” “Mm.” She looked at him, and his gaze didn’t waver at the celestial spheres above. “You’ve changed.” “A little,” he answered. “But I did finally get to see the stars with you, like I promised.” “Oh. Ahh, I guess you finally did.” They smiled together, and watched the stars in silence. “Thanks for sitting with me, it was nice seeing you again.” “You’re welcome, and thank you.” “When does college start for you?” “Two weeks ago, actually.” “Ah, time moves on for you too. Good luck, I know you’ll do great.” “Thank you, you too. I’m gonna go back in, but… it was nice talking with you.” “It was great. Cya around.” He looked down to meet her eyes, and smiled. As she walked inside she stopped herself from looking back, and thought he would be watching her longingly. But when she turned and opened the door, he was back in the sky above. It all feels so tiny and small under the stars. [spoiler]This here story isn't meant for anything, just a little something I had to write for me-self. If y'all wanna guess what's going on here, be my guest.[/spoiler]