Best Friends Who Moved Apart Cry At Surprise Reunion After One Year

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.