This is just the end of the beginning

I've always thought of break-ups as something to be feared. As it turns out, they can be quite the opposite. Yesterday brought about the end of my first relationship. The idea that our relationship would be fine after I moved away was one that we both doubted internally, but refused to admit to each other until now. It came about in a phone call. As nice as it would have been to be home, getting back to Melbourne is such a chore when you're still on your learner's. I texted to ask if I could call, and before I knew it my phone was ringing. The anticipation was the scariest part. We exchanged pleasantries as usual, and updated each other on our lives. We both knew it wasn't the same though, so we agreed that it was time. Yes, I was upset. Yes, I cried. Interestingly though, once I hung up the phone, most of what I was feeling was relief. Relief that I could stop pretending that everything was okay. Relief that I could move on and not feel bad. Mostly though, relief that it was mutual. We're still friends. We're always going to be friends. For me, friends is enough.