Distance. The one thing that keeps two humans apart from each other, and the one thing given to us liberally by the pandemic. Through this rollercoaster of an experience, the need to stay at home has been a constant to our lives for the past two years.
And this in itself, has stopped us from being able to do things together like we used to. From movie nights and sleepovers on the weekend after a long week of lectures with sleep-deprived nights, to banters along the hallways before getting to the next class, and time wasted away sitting behind the screen spent wondering if our friends still think of us the way they used to.
But through all of this, we’ve persevered. Even though the distance and the still surreal current situation has done everything in its power to keep us apart, we’ve made friends and forged bonds, we’ve reunited and found ways to each other once again,
That’s the thing about humans. We learn to adapt. We learn to grow and with this, we love past our limits. Our love reaches beyond anything we could ever expect.
Ever heard of that quote, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Alas, I can attest to that; that in the midst of all of this, you can find joy in another person, even when they’re so far away from you.
I won’t lie. It’s hard. It’s hard to not be around the people you love, the friends you cherish. It’s hard not being able to see and do things together like you would do on a regular school day or a free weekend.
But love – love for someone you adore, for your friends and family, and most importantly for yourself – love is so strong. Love is boundless, love can cross oceans and run miles. And love shouldn’t be limited or held back just because there’s distance pulling us apart.
Never lose hope. These hard times will pass, Sooner or later, the sun will rise again, and our loved ones will once again be in front of us. Kilometers will turn to meters, “call me” will turn to “long time no see.”
Maybe gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces according to science. But the gravitational pull of a longing heart is the strongest force of them all, in my books at least.
Sometimes when I look up at the night sky from my backyard and see the stars twinkle so peacefully as the darkness blankets the sky, I smile to myself and remember that though we’re far apart, at least we’re under the same sky.
For now, you’re miles away from me, but I sleep easy knowing that every day is a step closer to your heart.
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