An electric wave of excitement and melancholy filled the air as the school bell rang, announcing the long-awaited summer vacation. Students ran out of their classrooms, their footsteps echoing with newfound freedom. But there was a tinge of sadness in their hearts.

Umer, Uzair and Hamza had spent the entire year together playing, laughing and learning new things, and summer vacation meant saying goodbye to each other for quite a long time. But they promised to keep in touch and shared their summer vacation plans with each other.

Umer’s family had planned to visit their grandparents in their village. He was excited to live on a farm, feed farm animals, pick and eat fresh fruits with his cousins and learn how to ride a horse. Hamza’s family had decided to spend their summer in their beach house, where he had planned to learn to swim and surf, collect seashells, build sandcastles, bask and enjoy life under the sun.

Uzair’s family was going to visit their relatives abroad in Dubai. They had decided to explore the iconic Burj Khalifa, experience the thrill of desert safaris and visit theme parks.

As summer began, the days became longer and the sun shone brighter. But something was missing for Uzair, Umer and Hamza. Even though they were going to make new memories, there was a void in their hearts. They missed each other’s silly jokes, their laughter and the times they played together.

Hamza sat on the sandy beach, staring at the splashing waves and thought of Umer and Uzair. He wished that they were there with him enjoying the beautiful scenery. The seagulls flew above him reminding him of their playful fights with Uzair.

Meanwhile, Uzair sat near the flickering bonfire, gazing at the starry night sky. The constellation reminded him of Umer’s interest and curiosity about the universe, he longed to see the shooting star with Umer and hear him talk passionately about it.

Umer fed and looked after the farm animals at his grandparents’ house. He was enjoying the new experiences that come with living on a farm, but his heart yearned to hear Hamza’s infectious laugh as he imagined chasing after the chickens together and missed Uzair’s adventurous spirit as he climbed trees for picking fruits.

Time seemed to be passing slowly, but before they knew it, summer was coming to an end. It was time to say goodbye to the farm, the beach and Dubai. The three of them packed their bags, feeling a mix of sadness and excitement. They couldn’t wait to see each other and share their summer stories.

Finally, the day arrived when summer break came to an end and the first day of school dawned upon them. As the friends gathered outside the school gates, they couldn’t contain their excitement. Their hearts fluttered as they saw their familiar faces approaching from a distance. Their bond couldn’t be broken, no matter the distance or time apart.

They hugged each other tightly, talking over one another as they shared stories about their summer. As they walked into the school together, the hallway buzzed with the sounds of reunion. The air was filled with chatter and laughter, and it was as if summer vacation never happened.

As they sat in their classroom, they all realised that saying goodbye for the summer had been tough, but the joy of being together again made it all worth it. They had learned that true friendship could withstand distance and time apart. Summer vacation would come and go, but their friendship remained constant.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 28th, 2023