those goodbyes to friendships where you never actually say goodbye,

you just drift into a state where it’s too awkward to even say hello,

the glances you share after the realisation sits in that you aren’t that close anymore but there’s still an unspoken bond

a bond which even the sharpest sword couldn’t split.

the pain in your chest when you see them with their other friends and reminisce on how you used to be the person who caused that horrible laugh that you loved so dearly,

the secrets that you shared and told each other you would bring to your graves now find their way into the ears of another who, also, promises to bring to their graves.

the impulsive thoughts to just call them up and invite them to coffee to catch up even though neither of you know what to even say so you just delete the message.

years go by, but there’s still that hope that the fact we never said goodbye means we still have our bond.