And just like that.

Getting a handshake as I have done countless times before.

Closing the door as I have done countless times before.

Checking the mail as I have done countless times before.

And yet, this time, this time it is different.

It is not simply just moving out of an old apartment, or saying goodbye to my oldest friend, it is the closure of a part of my life I knew would end, but never knew when or how. Yes, we will remain friends, it is not about the friendship.

It was the way that we executed our handshake, as we had done countless times before. Familiarity, brotherhood, symbolism. As we will do countless more times, this was simply just one of many.

It was the way the door closed, as it had done countless times before. It closed with ease, as if I would be the next one to open it again. Without fanfare, celebration, or some grand farewell, it locked by my hand for the last time.

It was the way I saw our names in the mailbox again, as I had seen countless times before. Yes, just two last names next to each other, but it is the realization that those two may never be written that way again.

And just like that, a chapter concluded. People were not cheering; there was no dancing or parade. No bouquets of roses, or people in the streets. The world spins on, and now our two worlds spin a bit further apart than they have before.

It was a reminder that at an unsuspecting point in time, something will happen for the last time. It may be a random Friday afternoon, and early Tuesday morning, or anywhere in between, but rest assured, something will end, it always does.

This is not to cause fear or distress, it’s my hope that this provides a level of calm. Of peace and understanding that whatever moment you happen to catch yourself in, it is beautiful, for you are in it.