Do you remember what school was like? What it was like when we saw each other every day? you ask. I say that of course I do and we laugh at the memories flooding in. Early mornings, long nights, naps between classes and snack runs to the closest store. Schoolwork, stupid jokes and deep conversations. I remind you of a story that has always stuck with me, even though it was kind of a trivial little thing, and beaming, you say that it was a very fun afternoon. I do remember! Wow, that was so long ago… you say, trailing off a little. And yeah, it was. School ended years ago, as weird as that sentence is to say, and we’ve all moved on to do different things in life. We don’t see each other as often as we used to, do we?

We’re all busy. That’s how it goes. But I’m glad we have our moments. You start another trip down memory lane, and I listen to you like I listen to my favourite song. No matter how many times I hear the same melody and rhythm, it will fill me with the same joy. I can never get enough. Even if I may go months in between listening to the song, hearing the first familiar notes bring a smile to my face. You finish your story and we laugh again. Soon we have to get going, and we promise to see each other soon. Even if parting is always a little bittersweet, I know you’ll stick around for years to come. I know we’ll see each other again.

We may not see each other daily like we used to, or maybe even once a week. It’s rare. But the time apart makes it all the more significant to see you again. I want to see you more often, of course, but I know that our love stays regardless. Friendship is a beautiful thing. Deep in thought, I slowly make my way home, and I notice my cheeks starting to hurt. I can’t stop smiling. I think through the evening we spent together, even though the others couldn’t make it. I miss them, and so do you, but we both know we’ll see each other at some point. We’re all very aware of that. And sure, some of us see each other more often than others, but the love is still there. We enjoy each other’s company whether were all together or in smaller groups. And even from afar, we try to support each other. We’ll see each other again, and it will be like nothing happened, like we just saw each other the previous day. Voices ringing in the night, roaring laughter eventually turning into hushed whispers and groggy goodbyes in the morning. I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone.

My smile still hasn’t faded as I open the door of my apartment. I think about friendship, and how much it means to me. To us. To human beings in general. And how, to some, you and the others are just passing faces on the street, but to me, you’re songs, sunrises and sunsets, warm cups of tea and cozy blankets. To some, you’re all strangers, but to me, you’re like home. You’re beautiful. And I love you.