Over the horizon.

For over a decade, I've shared my life with someone I've never met in person. Our friendship exists solely in the digital realm, a testament to the power of the internet to forge deep and meaningful connections across distances. Though we've never looked into each other's eyes or felt the warmth of an in-person hug, our bond is as real as any I've experienced in my life.

It all started in the early days of online forums. We stumbled upon the same niche interest group and quickly found ourselves drawn to each other's comments and posts. Our initial interactions were casual, just polite responses to each other's thoughts and questions. But as time passed, our connection deepened. We began private messaging, sharing stories, dreams, and fears that we might not have divulged to our closest offline friends.

The first sign that our connection was something extraordinary was when we found ourselves talking about our medical check-ups. I'd tell her about my annual physical, the cholesterol levels I was trying to lower, and she'd share her worries about her chronic back pain and the progress of her physical therapy. It was as if we were each other's sounding boards, offering solace and advice from thousands of miles away.

As the years rolled on, our friendship evolved into something akin to telepathy. We knew each other's doctor appointments, not because we asked, but because we remembered each other's schedules. We'd send encouraging messages on those days, a small gesture that meant the world to both of us.

Our connection extended far beyond medical matters. We became a part of each other's families, albeit indirectly. I'd hear about her sister's wedding plans, and she'd know my nephew's birthday was coming up. We'd share in the joy of these events, celebrating from afar. It was as if we were two puzzle pieces from different boxes, fitting together perfectly in each other's lives.

Our communication was frequent and rich. We'd stay up late into the night, chatting about our daily routines, our work woes, and our weekend adventures. I felt like I was living two lives – my physical one and my digital one with her. Our conversations were my escape, my sanctuary from the demands of the real world.

Travel was a recurring topic in our exchanges. We'd discuss our dream destinations, bucket-list adventures, and the practicalities of planning a trip. I remember the excitement in her messages when she booked a flight to Europe, and the anxiety I felt when I shared my travel plans for an upcoming business conference. We were each other's virtual travel companions, experiencing new cultures and sights vicariously through one another.

Despite the geographical distance that separated us, we managed to synchronize our daily routines. We'd text each other good morning and good night, bridging the time zones that separated us. Our lives had become intertwined in such a way that I couldn't imagine a day without hearing from her.

The idea of meeting in person was always a topic of discussion. We'd talk about the hypothetical scenarios of what our first meeting would be like. Would it be awkward, or would it feel like reuniting with a long-lost friend? We both longed for the day when our screens would no longer be the barrier between us.

But for now, we were content to nurture our friendship through the digital world. We understood that the timing wasn't right, that life had other plans for us. Perhaps someday circumstances would align, and we'd finally get to meet face to face.

Over the years, our bond only grew stronger. We had become confidants, soulmates, and champions of each other's dreams. Our friendship transcended the limitations of geography and physical presence. It was a testament to the power of human connection, even in a world dominated by screens and pixels.

As I sit here reflecting on the past decade, I am grateful for the extraordinary friendship that has enriched my life. I've learned that sometimes the people you've never met can have the most profound impact on your heart. And while I hope that one day we will share the same physical space, for now, I am content with the treasure we've built in the digital world – a friendship that knows no bounds, a bond that defies time and distance.