See You Again

Dear Kai,

        It's near impossible to imagine my life without you. I didn't know it at the time, but meeting you was one of the biggest blessings in disguise of my life, and I wish I had realized that sooner. Without you, my life would be dull and monotone; just me and my music against the world. But with you by my side, my life is a symphony of color and emotion. You make me feel so happy and free.

        I remember it like it was yesterday. I saw you playing in your front yard as we moved into our new house next to yours. Seeing that you had new neighbors, your parents came over to invite us to dinner, which we accepted. At five, meeting you wasn't that awkward. You showed me your room and your rock collection. And at dinner, there was never a dull moment between the two of us.

        Fast forwarding to the first day of kindergarten, I was nervous. Being in a new neighborhood meant a new school. All of my other friends now went to a different school and lived in a different neighborhood. But I shouldn't have worried so much. Because little did I know, you'd be right by my side the entire time. You always were, and still are. From that first day of kindergarten to today.

        Jumping, again, from elementary school to middle school is when I began to become indebted to you. Many people say that middle school was some of the best years of their lives; yet, no one ever wants to go back. I found out why the hard way.

         Middle school is supposed to be a time to "discover who you are and grow as a person". For me, it was a living hell. Kids constantly picked on me for my style, my music preference, and even my heritage; but even through all of that, you stayed by my side. You've sacrificed so much for me and I am eternally grateful for all that you've done. You have no idea how much you influenced my growth into the person I've become. My love of music, my enthusiasm, and even my outlook on life all came from you. Heck, you're the reason I even have the courage to make this life-changing decision.

        My life will become duller the moment I leave for Australia. I'll miss your bright smile, your tousled hair, and even that weird laugh that I've always teased you for. But, I know that it's time for us to become our own persons. I'll visit as often as I can afford, but in times that I can't be with you, just give me a call or FaceTime me. No matter what I'm doing, I'll always make time to talk with you. But I just wanted to let you know, I love you, and I could not have made it this far in life without you.

                                                                          Love,
                                                                           Your Best Friend
                                                                             Phoenix Asher Kulikov