To my high school best friend,

Do you remember the first day of high school? I called you that night and we talked about every single detail of the day. For hours we chatted about our classes, about the different people we met and how scared we were to start something so new and so big.

Do you remember the last day of high school? I found myself hugging you and crying more than once that day. The "big thing" we had started was over and as we crossed the stage and snatched our diplomas, it was a brand new big thing.

Do you remember the day we left for college? We promised we would text each other every day but, of course, life gets busy. We both began separate lives for the first time and it was terrifying. We met new people and eventually made new friends. We struggled in classes and tried to keep up with everyone else moving so quickly around us. I remember calling you late at night sometimes and just hearing your voice made me feel better. We would talk about home, our families and high school memories we wish we could forget but never will. The first year of college is both exhilarating and incredibly alarming, and I'm so glad you were there to endure the journey with me.

Now, in our second year of college, we talk about new things. We talk about our new friends and aspirations. We've started to have those conversations about what we want to do someday and the kind of lives we want to lead. We have both grown stronger, more independent. Though we'd rather not, we can get through the day without the other.

Though our lives are no longer joined at the hip and may not tell each other every tiny detail of our day like we used to, you will always be my best friend. You have been by my side through the best and the worst and, for that, I will never be able to thank you enough. Though I make new friends and share new experiences, nothing will ever replace the adventures we have had and will have into the future. You're not just my high school best friend; you are my best best friend.

Do you remember the last day of eighth grade? After the ceremony and reception for our class, you and I snuck away and walked down our middle school hallway one last time. I reached out to grab your hand for a minute and when you asked if we would always be friends, I said yes.

Love ya,

Your best friend