At the end of "Perks of Being a Wallflower," Charlie and his friends go through the tunnel, play their favorite David Bowie song on max volume, and stand outside of their truck letting the wind flow through their hair. In this simple moment, Charlie said he felt infinite.
After seeing this moment, I wanted to feel the way Charlie felt. I wanted to be with friends “I loved most in this world” and to feel infinite. His moment wasn’t complex, and it didn’t involve something crazy or elaborate. It involved music, friends, and a breathtaking back drop.
This spring break, I watched the beautiful California sunset with some friends. We were in awe of the beauty, but most importantly, I was in awe at the simplicity of the moment: sharing a gorgeous sunset with my friends. Later we all sat outside of In-N-Out, because where else do you go at 9 p.m. in a suburb? We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed each others company, because we don’t get to see each other all the time.
Sitting at the table I was instantly hit with the “nothing will ever be the same, so enjoy every moment you have right now” type feelings. We all live in different parts of the country because of school. However, I was beyond grateful to be able to spend time with them and for this time to feel like we had never been apart. These are the people who have been willing to be there for me, willing to go on adventures with me, willing to do stupid things with me, willing to understand me, and willing to dream for me when times were tough.
Because of this simple moment, I understand why Charlie felt infinite. I think he felt infinite not because of the music, but because of the people he was sharing it with. His friends were some of the people he "loved most in this world” -- his "forever friends." I felt infinite realizing these are my “forever friends.”
With “forever friends,” the simplest of instances have left me feeling like they were the biggest and feeling grateful not to experience them alone.
I hope you have had an “infinite” moment with the friends you “love most in this world,” and that it leaves you feeling fulfilled. It’s nights like these that you feel more than just “okay” or “fine" -- you feel happy. And it’s nights like these that you realize you aren’t alone and you’re grateful for the power of “forever friends” and “infinity.”
“Enjoy it. Because it’s happening,” Stephen Chbosky.