Prologue
That winter was icy and cold, though our hearts were ablaze. We hoped so desperately, yet laughed with our heads high. We sought refuge in the purity of our friendship. We reached for what we could not have and saw things in our imperfect ways. We were all we had amid this unforgiving, ever-so-changing, perfect world. And we were all we needed.
Growing up most of us remember being held responsible for everything that went wrong, and yet, we were supposed to make things right. As if it were to make amends for having been born.
We were the 'youth'. Broken and imperfect. Both happy and depressed. We were mistakes. Just a bunch of curious kids that didn't know any better. We were wronged. Expectations and shortcomings. Terrified of what awaited us. We were all pained by our very existence. One way or another, we were in pain. Yet it was that very pain which eventually brought us all together. Differences aside, through each other's company, we were able to mend and heal. To enjoy the little things. To get through the hardships. To laugh and cry without insecurities. We were able to love and care, forgetting all that was wrong and cruel in the world.
Though we simply called it; "friendship". It was undoubtedly a much more complex experience than we could wrap our heads around. Even as I write this now, I cannot fathom the depth of our feelings. Though we had no idea what 'surprises' the future held.
To my beloved friends who will always be there for me and know of my innocence,
" I love you with all my heart and hope that nothing sets us apart. The purity of our friendship was all but hope. I am always grateful to have you all by my side, to keep me company when things are hard. You are all perfect in my eyes and I love you so. I'm sorry for having left you all without saying my goodbyes. You see, there was some rather urgent business I had to attend to. But do not worry, I will be back before you know it. I always know where to find you if I ever lose my way.
It seems like the world knows all. Yet it does not. Because what happened that day, the day that changed everything, will forever remain a secret between us.
Love you always.
Will continue to miss you even as I sleep, when the moonlight shines through the windows of my room. Not a moment goes by when I'm not thinking of you.
My partners in crime.
My friends."
