She was the glue in our circle of friends, the reason why we were all stuck together for 4 years in college.
In our circle of friends, I only have 2 closest friends. She was one of them. The reason why the three of us got closer than the rest? It was because everyone had significant other when we were in college. While the three of us was single the whole time.
We called ourselves "Virgins and *her name* just to tease her because she wanted to get laid so bad, but never had the chance to. Even until the day she passed.
I used to be a shy kid, while she was very approachable and everyone knows her. She made me feel seen and heard in a group full of noise.
We were complete opposite in the aspect of being introvert and extrovert, but we were close because of our love for books. I even taught her how to download anybooks app when it was no longer free. We'd recommend books to each other despite not having the same taste in genre. She loved young adult novel books, while I love dystopian books. I'd sometimes read YA books to be able to talk to her though. Because she used to lit up when talking about her fave books.
She ignited my passion for writing. Aside from my first ex who became my muse after a long time of writing slump, she made me write poems or simple letters one at a time. At my own pace, and even only small paragraphs.
We reviewed for the board exam together. Her tita paid for her studies, and sent money but it wasn't enough each time. That's why when she lost hope in paying for another TOR that has "for board exam purposes only", I took the opportunity to chip in, and as a shy person, I asked 2 other friends to do the same so we can all pass together. We did--we all did.
She was there for me when i had anxiety about getting interviews when we tried to apply for work. She encouraged me, and set herself as an example that we can both work without pursuing our degree.
She even offered to accompany me to have myself checked when I had my s word tendencies. She never judged me, and she never made me feel so little despite not achieving anything yet at the time.
She was there for me when I had hesitations about my past relationships. Even got worried when I stopped talking about my exes. Didn't force me to talk about them, but she still showed that she cared and that's what matters to me.
We both ranted to each other about life, family situations, work, or just random kwentuhan.
I remember I used to treat her to lunch in college because she was always tight on budget that time. When we all met each other after years of not seeing each other, she didn't hesitate to treat me. I feel like I owe her one though, because I accidentally damaged her bag while I was pulling her--the strap was torn into two.
Just the other night, I dreamed about her. In my dream, I knew she already passed. But I still cannot believe it, so I asked her if she was only pranking me. I cannot remember the other details, but I really thought she was still alive because of that dream. The dream was only short, but I'm grateful of it because it made me feel her presence once more.
I miss her. I miss my friend so much. Sometimes I find myself sending a message to her, just to talk about my day or rant about how hard work is. But I also find myself erasing the message because she's not here anymore.
I still have friends, but we call ourselves low maintenance friends. Most especially because most of them are now in the US, while I'm stuck here in the Philippines. So being able to talk to her once in a while was really therapeutic in all ways.
How can I find someone who I can talk about life? How can I find someone who will be there for me and will not criticize me when I'm at my lowest? Who will encourage me to write? Who will recommend more books to me now?
This is not enough for all the things I wanna say and express to her. But I feel sleepy now. I've been scolded at work, and I want to share how it went to her. But I can't do that anymore. I miss her so much. I wish she will be with me in my dreams again.