truly sank in realisation

Our birthdays were the only thing that kept a tight rope tied between us, and even then its fibres began to rupture When you invited me to parties with you and your schoolmates, I’d always attend, always found it enjoyable, and was always grateful for the invite but, so too did I feel more like an outcast with each passing celebration When feasting on cake, I was a mere satellite of a crew which I had never been a part of, and never will Though, I’m also aware it was likely the same when I invited you to my birthday meetups For that, I am truly sorry

By our 16th birthdays, the rope had snapped entirely. Yet, it wasn’t dramatic like we once expected years ago there was no argument, no sudden brawl or spiteful endings. Instead, a simple sigh signified acceptance of a moral judgement. We had simply drifted too far apart from each other. Our senses of humour have divulged, our friend groups are different, our idea of ‘fun’ has morphed significantly. I still struggle to describe it, but I noticed it in the live shows we watch.

I have grown to adore stand-up comedy. I find comfort settling in a dimly-lit hall, spotlights centred on the wit of the night, and being seated with a tamed audience sharing a collective humour. After a long week, I need time to steady myself, unwind and retreat to calmness through laughter. To me, the tranquillity of late nights is what makes it special.

On the other hand, you have grown fond of the concert scene; your heart yearns for exhilarating nights and blasting music which thumps the stands and chest On weekends, you recharge through getting your adrenaline running and revitalising your soul To you, late nights are a unique opportunity to paint a quiet canvas with cheering and singing until your throat becomes sore. Though we mutually understand each other’s preferences, neither of us are eager to partake in the other’s a testament to our long journey from rolling under the cherry tree.

You’re probably wondering: why did I write this? To be honest, I’m not so sure myself This was originally meant to be a congratulations for graduation handwritten too just for ceremony’s sake But, when I grabbed the pen and paper, I could not stop recollecting everything; the past 18 years of us growing up together as well as us growing more distant

Deary me, even the cherry tree has wilted and lost its branches perhaps a perfect analogy of us as drifting individuals

I suppose I see this as an opportunity for a proper farewell. Though we have become strangers to one another, deep down you are still the buddy I hold dearest For that, I am forever grateful

Good luck, my friend, for this is where our crossroads diverge fully.

Sayonara