Dear my best friend that moved away,

Well, you did it.

You escaped this small town and you're on to bigger and better things. You've left it all behind, but you chose not to leave me along with it.

Although I'm proud of you and thankful that we're still close, I can't describe how much I miss you.

I drive by your house almost every day, and that 'For Sale' sign in the front yard never fails to make my heart ache. I remember being in that driveway and running on that lawn to your front door, letting myself in because we were just that close. I remember saying, "Hi, mom!" to your mother every time I saw her and it wasn't weird in the slightest. Your house was my second home, and vice versa.

School was never the same after you transferred. People stopped asking me "Where's ___?" when you weren't there because I knew where you were 99% of the time. Even though I don't know where you are every second of the day anymore, I still know way more about you than most people ever will.

You're no longer just a phone call away, and that's something I've had to cope with since you left. I can't just come over and cry on your shoulder when I've had a rough day. I can't just pick you up and go on an adventure whenever I feel like it. I can't have fun with you or make new memories as easily I used to.

However, that doesn't mean you're gone.

In fact, it's made the little things mean so much more, and if anything, I appreciate you more than I ever have. The check-up texts, the phone calls that last hours just so we can catch up, and don't even get me started on when you visit...those are the things that make that "For Sale" sign hurt less and less every time I see it.

When you left, my biggest fear was losing you. You meant the world to me - you knew all my secrets, how to make me laugh, and how to make me feel better no matter what. You were who I ran to on my darkest and brightest days. Some of my favorite memories of all time are with you, and the thought of those good times turning into fading memories was unbearable.

But you didn't let that happen.

That's why when I hear our favorite songs on the radio, I belt them out like we used to, smiling the whole time. That's why when I get a text from you, it makes my whole day. That's why when I'm reminded of you, I smile and laugh and tell everyone all about it - because you're still one of the most important people in my life.

I'm so proud of you for all you're doing, even though it's away from me. Having you as my best friend is a blessing, and no matter the distance, that'll never change.