Dear friend,

You know who you are if you're reading this. We had a great year together, and in time, you've become my best friend. This semester has been amazing because of you, and I can't imagine where I would be without your support as a friend.

When I heard that you were transferring schools, I was heartbroken. We spent so many weeks forging our friendship, and now you're leaving? I went through the five stages of grief very fast after learning the news. At first, I was in complete denial...until you confirmed the news to my face: you're going to an art school in a different country. For a while, I was furious that you wanted to leave everything here. No, I didn't try bargaining with you to stay because that would have been selfish. I was depressed, admittedly. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't cry myself to sleep one night over the thought of losing you.

But I have accepted it now. I'm trying hard to be empathetic. You're going to finally figure out what you want to do with your life, and you're going to have so much fun on the way. I'm thrilled for you and the choice you've made. As your friend, there's nothing I can do but support your choices and wish the best for you. If I were in your position, I would hope that you would want the same from me.

So here we are. School's over, and I probably won't see you until you decide to visit me again. Do you know how hard it was waving to you as you left campus for the last time? I thought I was going to sob. Despite the rough patches we've been through, I'm incredibly thankful to have met you. Sure, we've only been friends for one school year; nevertheless, it has felt like ages. I only wish that I had known you years ago. We've had so much fun together. Remember that random trip we took to the lake when the weather broke? Or playing video games until our eyes hurt? Or laying in your bed, talking about nonsense for hours, crying over stupid jokes, and laughing until our sides hurt? I'll never lose these memories, that's for sure.

I hope you have an excellent summer, too. Be productive, and get ready for your new school and the new experiences you're about to have. Have a lot of fun, and good luck making new friends; I hope they learn to love you as much as I do. Just don't forget the fun we've had, or the inside jokes we've forged out of dumb experiences together. I expect to see you soon; we have to catch up after you settle at your new college.

I'm going to miss you, buddy.

Sincerely,

Your friend who's sticking around here.

PS: I stole your jacket, and you're not getting it back until you visit me.