Summary

After 20 years, Zoey and Oliver, former profound friends with unfulfilled romantic potential, reconnect and meet, reflecting on their past and the deep bond they share despite life's divergent paths.

Abstract

The narrative "After all these years…" recounts the reunion of Zoey and Oliver, two friends who shared a deep connection that transcended typical friendship. Their relationship, characterized by mutual respect and understanding, was a cornerstone in their lives. Over two decades, they pursued different paths: Oliver became a scientist, married, and moved to Singapore, while Zoey dedicated herself to social service and remained unmarried. Despite the passage of time and physical distance, their bond remained strong, though their interactions became less frequent. The story culminates in Oliver's return to his home country and the emotional reunion with Zoey, highlighting the enduring nature of true friendship and its profound impact on their lives.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of friendship to provide support during hard times and to illuminate one's inner soul, likening it to a candle in the darkness.
The narrative suggests that not all close friendships between a man and a woman need to be romantic; some are genuine and platonic.
The story conveys a sense of nostalgia and warmth in the reunion of old friends, emphasizing the comfort and happiness derived from such connections.
The author expresses that friendships can remain significant and cherished even as life's circumstances change and people grow apart physically.
There is an underlying appreciation for the different roles friends play in our lives, with some being as close as family.
The author acknowledges the bittersweet nature of friendships that evolve over time, with the characters experiencing both joy and sadness as they reflect on their shared past.
The story is a tribute to the resilience of friendships and serves as an encouragement to value and maintain these bonds throughout life's journey.

After all these years …

Fiction | He called her!

It’s been 20 years since they met.

Today is special day for Zoey as after 20 years she will be meeting Oliver. She always wondered would it would be like if they never parted their ways, how their life would have been.

They had a profound loving caring friendship and were treasured to each other. What an understanding they had, one would always what they other person is thinking or going through. They would speak 24*7 and still not be bored with each other. It was definitely more than just a friendship for them, everyone knew that in their group. Even so, they were different in their nature, maturity, career aspirations or any other aspect of life.

Oliver loved science and he always wanted to be a scientist. He was very intelligent and Zoey knew this. This was one of the things she respected about him that how focussed he was towards his career, his research. He was very ambitious and wanted to make significant difference in the scientific world.

Zoey wanted to do something for the society as social service for people was the motto of her life. She realized this when she was around 25 that helping people in any way possible really gave her true happiness. Although she was social person, she had very few friends whom she would trust and obviously Oliver was one of those people.

As they grew, focus was more towards their career. As Oliver spent more time in his lab, he and his research partner Julia came quite close. It was quite soon that they realized having feelings for each other and started dating.

Julia was a good person. She was smart, responsible, valued family and more importantly loved Oliver.

Oliver told Zoey about Julia that he was going to ask her to marry him. She was very happy for him and after meeting Julia, she liked her as well. They got along well as Julia understood their friendship and knew that Zoey is like family to Oliver.

After a year of dating, Oliver proposed to Julia-she said yes and they got married shortly after. They had a great wedding inviting only close friends and family.

Eventually the meet ups between Zoey and Oliver got reduced. From meeting personally every day to phone calls once a week and meeting possibly once a month.

After few months of Oliver’s marriage, he moved to Singapore. After one year he had a beautiful daughter. Life caught up with him and he got busy with his family, responsibilities, career. He made friends there but yet he missed Zoey, her ever smiling face. He tried to keep contact with her, how’s she doing in life.

Zoey never got married. She had relationships but never liked anyone enough to think of spending a lifetime with him. She focused on education of needy children and supported them like she always wanted. Sometimes, not sometimes, she would always think of all the happy and sad times they spent together. She would miss him, their group and all the fun they had.

From calls once a month to call once a year. It was a big change for both of them as they knew each other from so many years, started their career together. Even though they didn’t meet in years or the conversations reduces, they always spoke fondly of each other and were very proud of the accomplishments.

And now after 20 years Oliver called Zoey saying he is back in the country.Oliver: Hello Zoey

Zoey: Hi, how are you?

Oliver: I am good. Where are you these days?

Zoey: I am in my house. And you?

Suddenly she heard knocking.

‘Can you please hold one minute, there is someone at my door’ she said.

It was Oliver. She was astonished and couldn’t move, in a good way.

No one said anything. Emotions spoke through their eyes.

They just looked at each other trying to remember how they looked when they were young. Their eyes filled up with tears and then hugged. It was a warm nostalgic feeling.

Smile and tears all together.

After 10 minutes, Zoey said ‘Welcome Home, my friend’.

I am a firm believer in friendships as it had always helped me through some hard times in my life.

Friendship is like candle bringing light in the darkness even in our inner souls.

Dedicated to all the best friendships and not every guy girl friendship turns out to be romantic. Some of them are real :)

This is my first attempt on fiction, thanks to Yana Bostongirl for encouraging me to write one. I know that probably this won’t be as good but worth a try and which is why i self publish this. Thank you for all your support!!!