Sze Hooi

For a friend who is no longer here, this is to your memory.

The last time I saw you before the funeral was last year. I never expected that to someday be true; meeting you again at a later date was an assumption. We were never especially close, hence, no need to meet up and all frequently.

But then you slipped away.

Only you will hold the clues to why you did it. Fifteen. Your life, so long, still ahead. But if you were not happy to be here, then I hope you are happier... wherever you are.

Even though we weren't best friends, we were classmates, and you were closer to me than many. You were always sweet and funny and bubbly. You never shied away from me, or were disgusted by me, or even looked at me strangely. You were a genuinely nice person. Smart, sporty, warm, good-natured. How could anybody not like you, want less than your regard?

Now you're gone, and I wish I could have told you all this when you were still here.
Now you're gone, and soon we, your friends, must forget our pain and keep our memories.

For even beyond death, you are my friend.