Familiar Strangers

There is a cycle that describes the stories of love that burn out, and the people found in them that become just another pair of strangers, the familiar kind. It is a common cycle we find ourselves in; we get to know someone or at least who they say they are, we spend so much time with them and we give out pieces of ourselves with the certainty of never getting them back. We look forward to spending time with each other and above all, say a silent wish to never parting. The thing is we do part, be it by distance or by reasoning, the things out of our control or decisions we choose to make. And the sad thing about it all is thee memories left behind with the power of haunting you and bringing tears to your eyes. 

Source: Pinterest

(I)

There are memories of us I have forgotten but I remember your name and the stories my mum told me of how we made two mothers become friends. I can remember your house had a farm in it, and you kept rabbits. I remember being nervous to touch them. But the most memorable thing about us was, we were young and had no care in the world for whatever is to come. I remember moving away and wondering when next I am going to meet my friend, but things would never be the way they used to be when we were both in primary two and the reality of this world was yet to dawn on us. 

(II) You were my escape. Reminding me of all I am and can be and the faith you had in me became the faith I had in myself. If this one person could see and understand me, I don't care if the world burns. I love teasing you, your little voice and the nickname you gave me for over a year thinking I finally found what I am looking for, well it was another lie I told myself. I never did. For the longest time, I drew strength from those around me, and you were my strongest reserve.

(III)

I never shied away from arguments and conversations because it made us closer and we were able to learn more about each other. It is tiring now that no one wants to have those conversation we always had  because of the fear of confronting what went wrong and fixing it. But not you, you were always ready to talk about what we might be doing wrong and  how to be better. 

(IV)

You were my happy place. We become closer with every little secret shared and every place we get to call our own. Walking down the road together made walking my favourite thing and every time I go on a walk, I get transported to that afternoon with the mini-presentation and the deep longing to walk that road again just for keepsakes.  

The thing is, we went our separate ways and because we can't keep the communication alive with distance, we sort of end, burn out completely, reduced to random hi and hellos until we ask ourselves how sustainable it is. 

I wonder if you remember me, the times we had together, or am I just another face in the crowd. I wonder what would have happened if distance never separated us; would we still be as close to each other as we were then? I wonder if our conversations ever go back to not being empty and, above all I wonder who you have become.

To all my best friends turn familiar strangers, thank you for all the beautiful memories you left, I will always cherish them. And I am forever grateful for you.

With Love, 

The Estherian