Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins

In this five-part series, we will delve into the dynamics of male friendships: their origins, development, and the benefits they offer to both parties involved.

After weaving through lush, green foliage and stepping onto the soft, mossy ground of the jungle, we finally approached the cave entrance. Its wide mouth opened before us, but the rugged ceiling quickly descended, leading us into the narrow passage we were about to explore.

"The last time I visited this place," Ben remarked, "I encountered a crocodile. Thankfully, he left me alone—just a young one, curious about my presence."

I found myself perched on the rocky edge of a cenote, a water-filled cave near Tulum, Mexico. Ben kept the name of this cenote to himself, mentioning that he only brings select clients and friends here. Having known him for just four days, I felt confident that I had become his friend, just as he had welcomed me into his circle.

With flashlights in hand, we stepped into the water and began our swim into the enveloping darkness of the cave. The only sounds were the rustling of bats overhead and the soft splashes of our strokes. When I submerged my head, illuminating the depths below, I was struck by how far the cave floor dropped.

A mix of fear, excitement, and adrenaline surged through me. Ben, a few feet ahead, swam steadily while offering instructions. "Let’s swim to that rock and catch our breath," he said.

Once we reached the rock, we paused to take in our surroundings: ancient stalactites reminiscent of the Mayan era, the eerily tranquil water, bats fluttering above, and the beams of light cast by our torches.

“Now, switch off your flashlight,” Ben instructed.

As the lights extinguished, the grotto enveloped us in darkness. Silence enveloped the space, and I felt a profound connection to Mother Earth, comforted by the presence of my new friend.

We swam back safely, without encountering any crocodiles. I joked with Ben about how I expected him to scare me by grabbing my foot, to which he responded with a sly grin, admitting he had considered it.

Occasionally, we meet someone new, much like a fresh character appearing on the board of life, bringing the potential for unique experiences. Such was the case with Ben. I had arrived in Tulum on my cousin’s recommendation to reach out to him, who both rented out rooms and led tours. Ben is connected to my cousin through a mutual friend, which created an immediate bond.

However, the true connection unfolded over coffee, late-night bar outings, and casual taco runs. The friendship felt natural, easy, and incredibly refreshing.

By some unspoken camaraderie, Ben showed me the value of simply existing and savoring the moment. Our conversations rarely delved into our pasts. While we shared our struggles, we didn't dwell on them; instead, we reveled in the simplicity of our time together. Though I spent just four days as his guest, it felt as if we had been friends for a lifetime.

This is the beauty of embracing the new and the unfamiliar. When we allow ourselves to relax with those we haven't known long, exciting opportunities arise. Our long-standing friends act as a supportive foundation, while new acquaintances, the unexpectedly laid-back and welcoming ones, elevate our spirits like a stylish hat or a cool pair of sunglasses. We aspire to mirror their ease and hold onto that fresh feeling for as long as we can.

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The story was originally published on The Good Men Project.

About Taylor García Taylor García is the author of the short story collection, FUNCTIONAL FAMILIES, published by Unsolicited Press, and the novel, SLIP SOUL, from TouchPoint Press. His stories and essays have featured in numerous journals and magazines. Taylor holds an MFA in Writing from Pacific University Oregon and resides in Southern California with his family. Connect with him at www.BTaylorGarcia.com, or on Twitter: @BTaylorGarcia and Instagram: @BTaylorGarcia.