CHAPTER THREE — THE PROMISE

As the months passed, our friendship became stronger.

We began spending almost every afternoon together.

Sometimes we watched movies.

Sometimes we studied.

Sometimes we simply sat together without saying anything.

One evening, Marilyn asked me a strange question.

“David, do you think people can stay together forever?”

I looked at her.

“I think they can.”

“What if life separates them?”

“Then they find their way back.”

She smiled.

“Promise?”

I held out my hand.

“Promise.”

She shook my hand.

It was a childish promise.

But it meant everything to us.

We didn't know that life was already preparing to test it.