An Unexpected Message

New Year's Eve

You've got a text message from bestie:

11:00 PM

"To my best friend,

I know you'll get a lot of New Year's greetings today. Yes, a lot! But who wishes you the most adorable new year wishes? That's me. May you have a year that is filled with love and hope, I'm really sorry we can't be together this New Year's Eve because of the pandemic but I hope to see you soon after this. Have a great day ahead, sending you virtual hugs and kisses. Mwah!"

This is the first-ever message I received from my best friend a year ago. I just woke up and it's already 11 in the evening, an hour before celebrating another new year in my life. I sip my coffee using the mug my best friend gave to me 3 years ago. It's yellow, my favorite color.

As I glance out the window, I watch the cars passing by on our street. No children playing at all, no loud music, and neighbors sharing their food with each other.

I sighed.

I never felt there are tears falling from my eyes down to my cheek. I'm not used to celebrating New Year's Eve with them, but it makes me feel sad and lonely even more that I couldn't even watch them laughing and dancing in the middle of the street as their New Year's tradition. No more noisy street with children singing auld lang syne.

I know I'm a lonely person, but this is even lonelier.

Going back to my best friend's text message, it's 10 minutes before 12 midnight when I decided to read it all over again.

"Oh, Father Lord, I don't know what should I say, or should I really need to say something?"

Suddenly I heard a scratch from my door. As I opened it, I saw my dog runs toward me.

"Mallows..." I whispered and pick him up.

But he jumped away from me and start to run all over my room when he heard fireworks outside. My room is a mess right now. My dog bumped on my wobbly shelf, most of my things on my shelf fell. I tried to catch him but I couldn't. He runs away from my room and goes to my mom's.

While arranging my room, I saw an old photo of me and my best friend 10 years ago when we're still in 5th grade. I was so happy back then. From this moment, I started having random memory flashbacks from all the things we shared together that I value the most. From how we turned sadness to laughter, from struggling to our dissertation to receiving a diploma. Everything reminds me of her. Everything.

I know when I start to love someone, I always want to see them and hear their voice even more. But just a year ago, we lost communication with each other. Since last year, I already lost my best friend yet she just messaged me this night a New Year's greeting so I decided to send her also a greeting.

To bestie:

"Happy evening bestie!

Thank you for reaching out this New Year's Eve even if already lost our communication since last year---"

*You received a text message from bestie*

While typing my New Year's greeting, I suddenly received another message from her.

When everyone is excited as they count for the remaining seconds of this year. Here inside my room, I was shocked by the message she texted me.

You've got a text message from bestie:

11:59 PM

"Hi! This is Hannah. I'm sorry, I accidentally delivered it to the wrong number."

I smile. At least now I'm aware that I'm not her best friend anymore.

Dear Hannah,

Time long passed my friend.

I'll still take a cup o' kindness in remembrance of our noble deeds and friendship.

Sincerely, Euri.

***End***