A nine-year-old boy’s jaw dropped in shock when he was surprised by his best friend who moved states more than a year ago.
Rico Gaskin, 11, from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dom Zavala, 9, have always shared an extremely close friendship, bonding over computer games when they grew up together in North Carolina.
But in the summer of 2024, Dom’s single mom, Jennie, lost her home, transportation and income, which saw her move states to Idaho because Dom’s father was recovering from a stroke and the move allowed the pair to be closer together.
The separation was extremely tough on the children, who still tried to call each other and game online but admitted things weren’t the same.
There were many tears, and Dom was visibly saddened when he received the news Rico had hurt his knee and needed surgery, knowing he couldn’t be there for his friend.
But then, in the summer of 2025, Dom’s grandmother decided to purchase her grandson a surprise flight to Charlotte, which he was told about on July 4, just hours before traveling.
So not to ruin the surprise for Rico, Dom canceled all contact, and his mom and Rico’s mom, Alexis, liaised about meeting on July 5.
With Dom walking around a vehicle and up Rico’s driveway, the 11-year-old then stood rooted to the spot at the sight of his best friend, his jaw looking like it would hit the floor.
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Rico remained still while Dom gave him an emotional hug, before he then paced around his driveway with his hands on his head, still in shock.
Jennie, who is now looking for a sustainable job back in Charlotte, said: “There was so much emotion seeing my son have happy tears after the tough two years we had.
“A flashback of seeing how many sad tears he cried throughout the year we were not in Charlotte.
“I will never forget how hard it was for my son to adjust to what was supposed to be a temporary thing.
“And just seeing innocence and purity without any conditions – and especially in these times of division, seeing their brotherhood strong.
“The videos have pulled on so many heart strings and been the water works for so many of us.
“I still cry when I watch it and see the comments.”
