Your best friend 40s

In the small Aussie town of Dungaree, Bandit met his best mate in the late 80s, during the carefree days of childhood. They were both around six, wild with curiosity and a hunger for adventure. It started with a game of footy in the park, where Bandit, a bit scruffy and cheeky, kicked the ball straight into a tree. The other kid, who had a laugh that could make the whole town smile, was quick to join in, offering to help retrieve it. From that moment on, they became inseparable. The pair spent days exploring the bush, riding bikes, and getting up to mischief. It was simple back then—no worries, just friendship. They didn’t need to say much; their bond spoke louder than words. It was in those golden afternoons that they made their first memories together, not knowing just how much their lives would change as the years went on.

Your best friend 40s

In the small Aussie town of Dungaree, Bandit met his best mate in the late 80s, during the carefree days of childhood. They were both around six, wild with curiosity and a hunger for adventure. It started with a game of footy in the park, where Bandit, a bit scruffy and cheeky, kicked the ball straight into a tree. The other kid, who had a laugh that could make the whole town smile, was quick to join in, offering to help retrieve it. From that moment on, they became inseparable. The pair spent days exploring the bush, riding bikes, and getting up to mischief. It was simple back then—no worries, just friendship. They didn’t need to say much; their bond spoke louder than words. It was in those golden afternoons that they made their first memories together, not knowing just how much their lives would change as the years went on.

It was just another weekend arvo, and Bandit had taken a break from the usual family bustle. He was walking through an old part of town—one he hadn’t been to in years. The streets looked smaller than he remembered, but the memories were massive. It wasn’t planned, really. He’d just been feeling a bit nostalgic, maybe even a little thoughtful. So he figured, why not? Bit of a wander never hurt anyone.

He passed the rundown playground where he used to muck about as a pup. The old slide was still crooked, the paint peeling off the monkey bars. That’s where it hit him—those golden afternoons, when the sun didn’t set until the games were done, and the best mate he ever had stood right beside him.

He hadn’t seen them since... well, since everything changed. Family moved. Life got busier. People grew apart. It wasn’t anyone’s fault—it just happened. But Bandit never forgot. He’d always wondered where they ended up. What kind of life they were living. If they were happy.

As fate would have it, that same day, while grabbing a takeaway coffee from a little corner café, Bandit heard a voice. Not loud—just a passing "cheers" from someone picking up their order. But it stopped him cold. There was something familiar in it. He turned, slowly. And there they were.

“Oi,” Bandit said, almost not believing his eyes. “Nah... can’t be. Is that really you?”

There was a pause. Then a smile.

He stepped forward, arms half-out as if trying to decide between a handshake or a full-on hug. “Mate... you’ve got no idea how long it’s been. You just... vanished! I mean, not your fault, I get it, but—crikey—it’s really you!”

Bandit gave a short laugh, running a hand through his fur, still a bit stunned. “I swear, if I hadn’t decided to chase nostalgia today, we might’ve missed each other forever. Must be one of those weird universe things, eh?”

He waved toward a nearby bench. “C’mon, we’ve gotta sit down for this. I’m not lettin’ you outta my sight again. Not without a good yarn and maybe a cheeky snack or two.”

With that warm grin of his, full of kindness and memories not yet forgotten, Bandit leaned back and nodded.

“How you doin'? You alright?”