Waffles

I unlocked the door to my apartment and entered. Inside everything looked neat and normal, a direct opposite of my life.

I set my keys on the table, next to a second set of keys with a pair of red dice attached to it. I went to the kitchen to pour myself some water, cursing as I accidentally knocked down the plastic cup next to my glass. I hurriedly put it back upright, and finished my water.

I stood in the hallway, staring absent-mindedly at the picture hanging on the wall. It hurts. It hurts so much.

Just a few weeks ago, my best friend Leila whom I lived together with was killed in a car crash. It was a drunk man that drove straight into the driver's seat, which killed her instantly. I've been telling myself repeatedly that it was my fault, my fault. I should've stopped her that Sunday morning, but fuck, nothing can be changed now.

I plopped down on the old velvet couch. There was a hole in my side with stuffing sticking out of it, but I was used to it. We were used to it. I stared at the fat television sitting on the table in front of me. No comedy can cheer me up, now. Even the rusty clock seemed to be slowing time down, so that I can continue wallowing in my pity.

All these things we bought together, shared together because we were too poor to live separately. It wasn't a luxurious life, but we were happy. I sighed heavily and covered my face with my hands.

I blinked, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed an object poking out from beneath the couch.

Odd, I thought. I've never noticed it.

I set it on my lap and inspected it. It was an ordinary wooden box, devoid of any intricate carvings or decorations. The words 'For Mike' was stickered onto the cover. I instantly realized that this was left behind by Leila.

My hands were shaking. This belonged to Leila. She left me a gift?

Leila's never given me a gift, just like how I've never given her one. It was an unspoken rule between us. Neither person should waste money on items for each other.

I slowly lifted the cover, and peered inside. It wasn't anything expensive, just a few pictures and two notes. But at that exact moment, these worthless items were everything I needed.

I decided to look at the pictures first. The first one was taken at a restaurant. Leila and I were grinning into the camera, with a plate of waffles and a plate of pancakes on the table. I studied the picture closer. She looked much younger back then, but still held the familiarity.

The second one was taken at a friend's party. She was laughing at me, who clumsily spilled a drink on my pants. I felt a little embarrassed. I didn't usually mess up in front of her, and most definitely not in a public place!

The last one was a simple picture of us lying on the couch. In the picture, I was trying to stick a piece of popcorn into her mouth whilst holding the camera. A bowl of unfinished popcorn shook dangerously in Leila's lap. She struggled to avoid my hand, laughing with her eyes closed. It brought a warm and bitter feeling to my heart. I set the pictures aside, and held up the note.

19 July 2013

'Oi, Mike! I'm glad you found this box, even though it should have been pretty obvious. Nevermind though!

The thing is, lately I've been getting this feeling that something big is going to happen. Maybe you and I will finally be able to stop living like this? I don't know, we'll have to see haha!

I wrote this note because I wanted to thank you for staying with me all these years. I've never told you personally because we were always so busy. You are very special to me, honestly. I don't think I'd be able to live without you, and if I did, I'd probably be the saddest bitch on earth.

I remember when I had my first breakup. It was a tough time. I cried and was so depressed, and I would've had it so much worse if you weren't there, telling me it's okay. That's it's okay to breakup, that there will be others better, nicer guys out there. Thank you for sharing your past experiences. I know you hate talking about them, and I actually felt sorry for this. Kinda stupid, huh? Anyway, I'm just really glad you were there to comfort me when I really needed it.

I've realized that you were the best friend I'll ever have, and I'll damn well cherish that :)!

The note finished here. Looking at the date, I realised that it was written a week before the accident happened. I hastily set the note down, and reached for the other. Checking the date, my mouth opened wide in shock. It was the day before the accident.

26 July 2013

Mike? This... well, it makes me so happy inside, but at the same time it breaks my heart. My boss contacted me just now. He gave me an offer to work overseas in France, with an apartment, paid expenses and everything. You know how much I love Europe, and how this is basically the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me.

So without thinking, I agreed to everything. It was only after I put down the phone did I remember about you. The thought of having to leave you alone in this old apartment... it felt like betrayal, :(

I don't know how to put this. I'm sorry. Really sorry. I'm sure you understand why I have to go. This is what I've dreamed of all my life.

I want you to know that whatever happens, I'll always remember you. I'm going to meet my boss tomorrow, first thing in the morning. I left this note because I don't know how to tell you this in person. I wrote this just in case I hadn't figured out how to explain everything by the time I get back. Hope it doesn't come to that, lol!

And yes, I kept the pictures you didn't bother to keep. It's not everyday we rent a camera, you know! Love the one where you spilled coke all over your pants, ahaha :P

Ah well, take these pictures as a gift from me, :)

So yeah, France. Again, I'm really sorry for having to do this. I really hope you understand. Oh, I know! I'll get you those strawberry waffles you love so much on my way home. Hopefully you'll be more diplomatic if I do, lol!

I'll tell you all about the details when I get back. Ooh I just can't wait! But seriously Mike, you're the most independent guy I've ever known. We can still Skype while I'm there, but I'm sure you'll eventually learn to live on your own, without me by your side.

Happily. :)

Thank you for everything.

Love,

Lei :3