Early in the morning, Freya was already holding her phone, staring at the screen, waiting for a notification from Liam.
Ding!
She smiled brightly as she saw his name appear:
Liam: We just landed, Freya. We're safe. It's so cold here. Don't worry, I'll update you always. Take care, okay? Miss you already.🥹
Freya squealed in delight and immediately typed back:
Freya: Yay! Glad you're safe. Don't forget to rest there, Liam. And don't skip your meals! Miss you too… so much.🩷
She flopped onto her bed, hugging her pillow. Even though it hurt that Liam was far away, the updates he sent her eased her heart. It felt like their connection remained intact, despite the distance.
---
The next morning, Freya woke up to the absence of Liam's usual knock on the neighboring house. The familiar laughter they shared on their way to school was gone.
"Good morning, Freya!" her mother greeted while preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Ma," Freya replied, sitting down. But her mother noticed the unusual sadness in her eyes.
"Are you okay, honey?" she asked gently.
Freya smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, Ma. I just… miss Liam."
Her mother patted her shoulder. "That's normal. But you'll get through this. The important thing is you're still talking to each other."
---
Days passed, and Freya slowly adjusted. She kept herself busy with schoolwork and bonding with Leiyah. Yet, whenever she had free time, she couldn't help but wait for Liam's messages.
Sometimes, even a simple selfie from Japan—Liam wearing a winter jacket, snow in the background—made her heart flutter.
"Wow, Leiyah! He looks so handsome!" Freya exclaimed, showing the picture.
"You're blushing again! But yeah… you two really suit each other," Leiyah teased with a laugh.
Despite the joy, Freya still felt something missing. It wasn't the same without Liam—walking home together, teasing each other, sharing laughter.
One afternoon, she sat quietly on their terrace, staring at the neighboring house. Silent. No noise. No Liam carrying his favorite ball or guitar.
"So quiet," she whispered. "But I can do this… for his dreams."
---
One evening, as she lay on her bed, her phone suddenly rang with a video call. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest.
"Liam!" she shouted.
"Shhh, quiet," Liam laughed softly. "My roommates are sleeping here in the dorm."
"Sorry… I just miss you so much," Freya said, her cheeks flushed, even though Liam couldn't see the blush in person.
He stared at her on the screen, smiling warmly. "I miss you too… it's really hard being away from the one you love."
Freya's heart raced, but she didn't hide her feelings. "I love you too, Liam."
For a few moments, they were silent, shy yet happy.
"Promise me, Freya," Liam said seriously. "No matter how long or difficult, don't give up. Please… wait for me."
Freya took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Promise, Liam. I'll wait for you."
---
Weeks passed, and Freya gradually got used to Liam being far away. She dedicated herself to studying, helping at home, and bonding with Leiyah. But every night, before going to bed, she always looked at the crocheted hibiscus keychain she had given Liam.
"Are you still carrying this, Liam?" she whispered softly. "I hope you are."
Even though she tried to show she was okay, sometimes the sadness crept in. She would get lost in thought during class or feel down during outings with Leiyah.
"Freya, are you okay?" Leiyah asked one afternoon as they walked home from school.
"I'm fine… I just really miss him," Freya admitted.
Leiyah hugged her. "Don't worry. He'll come back. And when he does, you'll be stronger together."
Freya smiled, even as tears threatened to fall. "Yes… I just have to trust him."
---
In her heart, Freya clung to the promises she and Liam had made. No matter the distance, their hearts would remain connected.
And with each passing day, as she counted the hours until they would reunite, she was learning how to fight—for their love, and for the bond they had nurtured since childhood.