To my best friend,
Here it comes. Here comes the crushing disappointment of getting your voicemail. Again. Another text sent and left unread. The collection of unfulfilled promises lingers in the back of my mind.
I still remember the days when we were inseparable. The nights we spent talking on the phone, the days we spent laughing at each other by the lunch table. You were my first call to go to the movies, my #1 fan shouting in the stands, my partner-in-crime, my best friend.
Our differences made our friendship special. I loved sports, you loved dance. I didn't go anywhere without my music playing in my ears, you could never find your earphones. You loved to talk, I loved the silence. The differences that had once been the cornerstone of our remarkable friendship only added to the frustration of being apart. There was a time when our differences only brought us closer together, made us more aware of each other's perspectives, and helped us step outside our comfort zones.
But the days of high school have long since passed. We're in college now. "Everyone grows apart in college," we were told. And yet, we dismissed it as the cynicism of the world. We swore we could and would be different. We swore we would still be there for each other.
And here we are. I have a more consistent relationship with your voicemail than with you and the days are now colored with memories of new people. Your Instagram no longer consists of pictures of just you and I. There are others, I knew there would be others, but the pang of envy still strikes a chord within me. The friendship I once held dear to my heart fades with every passing day, painted over with shades of new experiences and new people.
But as I look back, I see our friendship as a blessing. There are few that can look back at their high school days with no regrets and I'm grateful that I can. So I want to say thank you.
Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for reminding me that life can be as fun as you make it. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face every time you cracked a corny knock-knock joke. Thank you for being there for me. Always. Regardless of whether you understood my passion for sports or writing or school, you were always there to support and encourage me.
Our friendship was filled with unforgettable memories and genuine laughter. And I'm excited for the rest of the world to see how great you are. I want other people to see your kindness, your wit and your sheer optimism. The world better be prepared to meet my best friend. And who knows? Maybe in twenty years, at our high school reunion, our eyes will meet and we'll reminisce about the days when the laughter came easy. We'll raise our glasses and toast to the good times.
For now, just know that the memories we made together of sitting in parking lots talking about life, of drinking coffee in the mornings at IHOP, of surprising each other on birthdays; these memories can never be replaced.
Just know that whenever I walk around campus and catch a glimpse of that familiar braid, hear that bright laugh, I'm smiling, thankful to have gotten the chance to be your best friend.
