You promised.

You would help him. Because it was your first reaction, because you had nothing else to do. Because he needed it. Especially when he asked for help, unaware of the shame he might need to feel in asking such a question. He knew he didn’t understand his situation. That was why he asked. Your first reaction was to offer the help and he accepted. Gratefully.

You promised.

To go there with him. Because he couldn’t do it on his own, because you wanted to be the one there instead of anyone else. Because after that first moment you couldn’t turn back. Neither could he. When he started to help you, well, that was more than you thought might happen. You didn’t reject it though. That was why he did it. Your first reaction was to accept all of him and he gave it. Gratefully.

You promised.

That the distance wouldn’t matter. Because you couldn’t stay, because he couldn’t go. Because sometimes life moves forward and leaves the people involved in it behind. He stood there along with your other friends, telling you how much they all would miss you. Everyone there made the same promise and he repeated their words. But you looked in his eyes and knew what the promise really was. The promise the both of you have that no one else shared.

He promised.