It’s been over a decade since we last talked, but I found myself thinking about you the other day. I remember all the fun times we shared over the years, and I miss them dearly. Actually, the truth is that I miss you dearly, and I wish we had never drifted apart.

You were like a quirky little brother to me. Always doing things in your own way, regardless of me trying to correct you. I should have cherished our time together better, instead of taking you for granted.

When I think back to that summer when all hell broke loose, I should have truly listened to what you said. My mind was a mess and I was so concerned with being right, that I couldn’t admit that I was, in fact, very wrong. I made a huge mistake and it cost me your loyalty and your friendship.

Sure, you said you had some things going on in your life and that you had to leave. I just didn’t realize you meant permanently. I look back at those emails today and see how cold and callous I was to you. I never saw things from your perspective, nor did I ever acknowledge your feelings.

After that, like a ghost, you vanished into the night. I never saw or heard from you again. Social media was never really your thing, so it’s like you just literally disappeared into thin air.

You probably won’t read this, because I’m sure you’ve moved on. That’s fine — I have too. But it doesn’t erase the fact that I loved you like a family member, because you were more than just some colleague or acquaintance to me.

For that period of time in my life, you were one of my closest friends, despite living miles away and never having physically met. If we had, maybe things would have been different. At the very least, I would have had the guts to say the things I’m saying right now.

I just want to say that I’m sorry and that your friendship meant the world to me. Goodbye friend, and godspeed.