our friends, Ben, Todd, Willie, and Karl, vowed to reunite at Santa Monica beach 40 years after high school. They were initially skeptical about meeting after so long, but they agreed. “Guys, don’t forget. We’re meeting over here on June 11, 2017, at 5 p.m. sharp!” Willie reminded them.

Forty years later, only Karl was missing. Concerned, Ben, Todd, and Willie visited Karl’s nephew, Andrew, who revealed Karl’s address in Spain. They found Karl living in poor conditions, relying on a crutch. Karl admitted he had lied about his success and was ashamed of his struggles.

Willie reacted first, “You’re so STUPID, Karl! How could you even think we’d mock you? That’s not what friends are for.” Despite their anger, they decided to help Karl. They invited him to Los Angeles for surgery and to work with Todd in Mexico.

Before leaving, they pledged, “We should meet every June 11 at Santa Monica, at the same bench.” Their renewed bond proved that true friendship endures, no matter the challenges.