Life, if it were only as first seen, why would autumn winds sorrowfully paint the fan. This line by Nalan Xingde always easily evokes endless reveries and faint sorrows of people about the beautiful past moments. As for me, in this ordinary yet extraordinary day, I am standing at the intersection of memory and reality, with a mix of emotions in my heart. Six years after parting ways, that once familiar figure seems to have gradually drifted away in the long river of time, but at some unexpected moment, in an unforeseen way, re-entered my world – he suddenly added me as a friend.
【1. The passage of time, reuniting with old acquaintances】
Six years are enough to change the face of a city and enough to make thick layers grow in one’s heart. Over the years, I have been striving to live, work, travel, and study, trying to forget that unforgettable affection in every possible way to fill time. I thought I had long buried that past deep in my heart, never to touch it again. However, when my phone screen lit up with a message saying “I am XX, want to add you as a friend,” my heart couldn’t help but tremble.
I hesitated for a moment, but eventually agreed. At that moment, there was no excitement or anger as expected, only a slight curiosity and a subtle, barely noticeable sense of expectation. I thought, maybe we have both matured and can face this old bond with a more mature mindset.
【2. Playful probing, ripples in the heart】
Deciding to tease him was a sudden impulse of mine. After all, six years can make everything strange and interesting. I began typing seemingly casual but deep-meaning messages in the chat box, such as “Hey, isn’t this a missing person returning?” or “Why, after so many years, finally remembering there is me?”
His replies were always cautious, with a hint of apology and awkwardness. I could feel that he was also trying to find topics, trying to break this silence and awkwardness. We talked about our current situations, he mentioned his achievements at work, and occasionally hinted at some nostalgia for the past. And I, deliberately responded with light-hearted humor, as if everything was just casual chatting between old friends.
But late at night, when I lay alone in bed, reflecting on these conversations, ripples would appear in my heart. The past sweetness and pain, like an old movie, kept looping in my mind, preventing me from falling asleep.
【3. Emotional entanglements, the struggle between rationality and emotions】
As the chat deepened, I began to realize that I might not be as free-spirited as I had imagined. Behind those playful words was my unchanged care and expectations for him. I started to question myself, whether this approach was really wise? Was it for revenge for his abrupt departure years ago, or was there still a hint of longing deep inside me?
Rationally, I knew that the past could not be changed, and we should look forward. But emotions were like an untamed beast, occasionally surging from the depths of my heart, disturbing my thoughts. I began to struggle, whether I should continue teasing him as if nothing happened, or should I directly tell him my true feelings?
【4. Candidness, letting go and rebirth】
In the end, I chose honesty. On a sunny afternoon, I gathered courage and sent him a long message. I talked about my journey of the heart over the years, including my longing for him, my letting go of the past, and my hopes for the future. I didn’t ask for anything, I just hoped he could understand, and that we both could bravely face our inner selves, whatever the outcome.
He remained silent for a long time before slowly replying. He said that he had also been thinking about me all along, but chose to escape initially for various reasons. Seeing how strong and independent I had become, he felt relieved yet somewhat lost. He thanked me for my candor, expressed his apologies for the past, and offered blessings for the future.
At that moment, I felt at peace. I realized that true letting go was not about forgetting, but about facing everything from the past openly, including the pain and regrets. I understood that we all have the right to seek our own happiness, wherever it may be, in whatever form.
【5. Conclusion: A promising future, each finding peace】
Today, we are no longer the main characters in each other’s lives, but those shared days will forever remain in our hearts. The reunion after six years of separation, though brief and delicate, taught me how to better handle my emotions, cherish the present, and bravely step into the future.
“Life, if only as first seen,” perhaps it’s just a beautiful wish. But it is these experiences and growth that make us more aware of cherishing everything in front of us. May we all find our happiness and peace in the future, even if we are no longer walking side by side but each finding their own path.
