I had never met him, and yet I had known him nearly three years. We talked incessantly, and I loved our friendship, unburdened by mutual friends or social bitching. We were so alike, with our shared passions and senses of humour. His messages never failed to make me smile, and I hoped he would say the same for mine. Ours was a simple, pure understanding between two people, unique and untouchable. I don't think either of us realized how fragile it truly was.