When I was a tot, my best friend was a kid named Alex.

But when we got to middle school, he just abandoned me and started being a bully with the popular kids. His new crew and mine were always somewhat at-odds through the rest of high school, even though it was never really a problem and nothing ever came of it past eighth grade.

After we graduated, a kid had a grade-wide party at his parents farm. Like 90% if our 450+ person class was at the party having a good time.

Soon after I arrived, Alex cafe right up to me and shook my hand. He said he was sorry for acting like a jerk all those years, and I gave him a hug. It was such a cathartic way to end high school, it’s among the most memorable events from that time in my life.

When I saw him at the ten-year reunion, we basically just hung out together catching up on things. Lots of people at the reunion were nice to see, but talking with my old childhood friend was something I really cherish.