Beneath the Willow Tree

Every summer since we were kids, Lucas and I met beneath the old willow tree in the park. Its long branches swayed gently over the grassy hill, creating a secret world just for us.

This summer felt different.

Lucas arrived with a tight smile and eyes that didn’t quite meet mine. I wanted to ask what was wrong but the words caught in my throat.

We sat side by side, letting the wind carry our silence.

“Anna,” he finally said, voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

My heart fluttered nervously. “What is it?”

He looked down, tracing patterns in the grass. “I’m moving away. My dad got a new job in another state.”

Shock hit me like cold water. “But… what about us?”

He hesitated. “I don’t know. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was scared.”

We spent the afternoon talking, sharing stories and laughter like we always did. But beneath the willow’s branches, I knew our summer had come to an end.

As the sun set, Lucas took my hand. “Promise me we won’t forget this place.”

“I promise.”

And under that quiet shade, I understood that some goodbyes aren’t forever — they’re just the start of something new.