Rory,

We both come from small towns, and were united by chance at a small college in a smallish city. I didn't know that when I left for college I would end up leaving after my first year and in turn leave amazing friends like you behind. This being said, though, I need you to know that just because you and I have distance that separates us, that will never mean that our friendship is any less important or significant to me than it was when we were close. I think about you every single day. I think about how you're doing, I think about our inside jokes I worry about your happiness, and I still laugh at our memories. When I see pictures of you with other friends, I smile because I'm happy for you. I don't get jealous that you have other friends, because you need people to lean on that are right there with you when I can't be. But I do hope you remember that I am always a phone call, or a short drive away. I will drop anything I am doing when you need me. I mean that.

I am forever thankful for the time I spent down the hall from you in college, being able to come and vent to you when nobody else understood what I was going through. You have always been my voice of reason and an unbiased ear when I need advice, which is something I will always love about our relationship. Remember how we became friends? I promised I could make you laugh during your darkest moment. I think you doubted me. But low and behold, I made you laugh harder than you had in a while. That moment, you became the Rory to my Lane, the coffee to my Lorelei... and you can come up with all the Gilmore Girls analogies you want, the point is, we both love Gilmore Girls, which has led to nights of binge watching and intense discussion with food and Ginger Ale while everyone else was out partying. We both know that we were the ones having all the fun.

Thank you for being awkward with me. Thank you for eating bagels with tomatoes after sitting through our 7:30 AM Italian class for us, and thank you for everything else I owe you for. I love you and so clearly would not have made it through my first year of college without you. I miss being by your side, and can't wait to take on the world together again... because believe me when I say that we will be taking on the world together again.

Sincerely,

Lane