people say giving updates is the bare minimum, until you meet someone who is exhausted from work or school, who barely has time to breathe, yet still chooses to make space for you in their day. someone who checks on you, shows up for you, and makes time just to talk to you. that is effort and care. it means you matter to them. it means you are not an option, but a priority. because when someone is tired and still chooses you, that is not bare minimum, that is intentional love.