CLOSE YET FAR

They ran side by side through the woods. Feeling every breeze rubbing on their hair, some leaves gently slap their bodies as they continue to run, smiling, laughing, and dogging any massive obstacle in their path.

It was a long distance they travelled but it felt short because a minute felt like a second in their world when it was just the two of them.

They came to a halt while somersaulting in the sand by the beach. They looked at themselves and laughed out loud, trying to catch their breath.

They were eventually able to catch their breath. They were sitting side by side, admiring the view of the water - the waves and the sound of the breeze, which created a peaceful atmosphere.

With a hint of concern in his voice, Greg asked Tim if they would grow old together, coming down to this location to enjoy such a moment. Tim responded, "Time will tell".

The two pals relaxed while sitting by the water. Without their knowledge, the evening was attempting to catch up with them.

They are now in a situation where they must return before it gets dark or risk dying. Carnivorous animals are most common in that area. It is much safer to walk during the daytime because there are paths they can take to avoid these animals.

As they began walking, Greg said, "Let us see who is the first to enter the zone." With a smile, they began to race through the woods back home.

Greg yelled to Tim from a bit of a distance, "Do not try so hard to overtake me. You know, your weakness is that you can't just confront problems head-on."

Tim smiled. "Are you bragging about your fearlessness?" Just be careful, because it could end up causing you problems tomorrow."

With a smooth smile, Greg said, "Do not get your hair brushed off in the name of trying to catch up with me. You know, dogs look better with their hair.”

Tim looked back as if checking on something, then looked straight ahead at Greg.

He could only see Greg's heels as he quickly ran and manoeuvred his way through the path they had to take to avoid any carnivorous animals.

Trying to catch up with Greg, but it appears something is distracting him.

He considered calling Greg's attention but hesitated because they only needed to get to the zone, which they were almost there. He was already terrified, so he refused to look back. Whatever it is, let them try to beat it.

Greg heard his friend call out his name as they were about to make a jump into the zone. When he turned around to check on his friend, he saw something that crushed his spirit while also stirring up all his strength and courage. He dashed towards his friend, who was caught in the claws of a wolf.

He rushed in and successfully separated the two. Greg and Tim bravely confronted the wolf and successfully scared it away.

He looked at Tim to see if he was hurt, and Tim said, "Don't worry, it's just a scratch." He continued to look at Tim, concerned.

"Let us head home." Says Tim.

They eventually entered their zone.

Getting to Tim's residence Greg questioned why he did not notify him sooner. And his response was as short as usual: "You seem a little far away, so I thought I would get a little closer so you could hear me."

Greg's heart melted upon hearing that because a few words can mean a thousand things, and he had only recently realised what his friend was trying to say.

"I am sorry..." Greg said... "From now on, I promise to be close so you can call me without hesitation."

Tim smiled and nodded in agreement with Greg.

"Better get home," says Tim, "before you get grounded by the whole community." 

"Mm-hm," says Tim's mother, who came out of the front door, looking at Greg with an expression that says, "Get my son, who has been your long-time friend, into trouble again, and I will have you pinned down."

"Yes, ma," Greg replied hastily before fleeing.

"Iron sharpens iron, and spending a long time with a strong man can bring out the fighter in you. I'm glad you were not alone but do not take risks you are not prepared for. Because one day they could be the cause of your fall."

His expression conveys that he agrees with what she said, takes it to heart, and will give it some thought. She continued, jokingly, "You have had an extremely long day by the looks of you. Come and take a rest."

After chuckling, they both entered the house.