Mid-morning sunlight filtered through the trees, catching on Oliver’s eyelashes as he walked the shaded side of Main Street. His gait was slow, more of a stroll than anything, but that was fine. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t rush today. The town had a calm energy—something he could breathe in without flinching. He was learning to appreciate that.

A familiar voice called out, and Oliver turned, already smiling.

“Nate,” he said, spotting the man across the street by a small local café.

Nate lifted a coffee cup in greeting. “You settling in okay?”

“Yeah, actually.” Oliver stepped closer as the light turned. “Thanks again for chatting with me the other day. I really needed that.”

“Of course.” Nate gestured toward the café’s sidewalk table. “Want to sit for a bit?”

Oliver hesitated only a second before nodding. “Sure.”

They sat under the café’s canvas awning, the light breeze brushing past. Nate had a half-eaten muffin on his plate, and the smell of brewed cinnamon drifted from his cup.

“I didn’t realize you worked just down the street from here,” Oliver said.

“Yeah, I split my time between the community center and the counseling office,” Nate replied. “I mostly do youth mentorship and occasional prenatal class talks, if I'm not to busy with the library.”

"You like to be busy?"

"...No, it just keeps me distracted. Being home alone and missing my kids after they go to preschool. It really makes you notice how silent the house can get."

"Isn't that what one wants to have. Time to yourself." He looked sheepishly to the side before responding.

"Yeah, but it gets lonely after a while."

"Do you feel lonely even when your partner is there?" Nate looked sad at the question.

",,,,Well... they are deployed at the military right now." Oh. I have seen many people get depressed when their partner or family get deployed. I read once that it's important to offer help, companionship or words of encouragement and appreciation.

"Oh... It's okay to miss them and worry for them. I know this is a challenging time, you and your partner are going to be even stronger and resilient for your family. I'm here if you ever want to hang out or have a vent out session."

"Thank you, I appreciate the support you're giving to this stranger."

"Nate, after all the times we met on coincidence alone, it might be right to start a friendship at this point."

"True."

“It makes sense,” Oliver said, rubbing his hand gently over his belly. “You really helped put me at ease back in the city. I wasn’t sure I could go through with it alone.”

Nate gave a warm smile. “You’re not alone anymore. North Bridge is good to people willing to start fresh. And… if you ever need help or just someone to listen, I’m around.”

There was no pressure in his voice. Just quiet, steady support. The kind of support you didn't know you needed until you found it.

Oliver looked out at the street, at the rows of flower boxes and kids biking past, at the way the town made space for peace. “I’m starting to believe that.”

A new look on life. New people and friendships. It's the best decision I made. Oliver thought while he looked back at Nate. 

With a resolve he didn't know he had, he thought with a strong will. 'Since I didn't have it, I will be the best support I can be to Nate. A best friend if he will let me be.'