When I Stop Needing Him
After graduation, I post something online without really thinking about it. "Does not relying on you anymore count as growing up?"
My childhood friend's comment pops up almost instantly. "That's cause for celebration."
I don't understand, so I send him a question mark. After a while, his reply comes through.
"Mara, do you know everyone says you're like a leech I can't shake off?
"School's over. You don't need to be stuck to me every day.
"Learn to stand on your own. No one in college is going to put up with a big baby."
Then, without missing a beat, he sends me a download link. "Got a question? Ask AI. It's more useful than relying on me."
Just like that, the boy who has looked after