Dear K: An Open (Love) Letter to my Best Friend

Dear K, 

It is a popular medical myth that the human body replaces itself every 7 years. The myth states that not even the tiniest parts of us are the same as they once were. Nearly 7 years after we first met on the campus of Georgia Southern University, minor things have changed (we are no longer victims of compulsory heterosexuality, most importantly), but we essentially remain true to our essence. In the span of our friendship, we’ve shared countless hot wings, collectively proofread an innumerable amount of texts to crushes and boo thangs, and accumulated an endless stream of shady screenshots labeled “come get your friend”. 

A lost file from our days at Georgia Southern (Circa 2014)

Whenever I think of you and our friendship, I think of our inside jokes and instantly start laughing. 

Sorry boyssss 🌈

I DEMAND WATER!

laid bk

None of these things are inherently humorous and probably aren’t funny to outsiders (even with context provided), but they’re memories made with you. There are few treasures more valuable. 

When we went to school together, my favorite thing to do with you was to sit on the floor in silence and wait for you to DM me funny tweets. I’d laugh and then you’d laugh right after. And then I would send something more ridiculous and we’d laugh even more. We don’t get to do that much these days, but I am appreciative of the virtual closeness I feel whenever you send random tiktoks throughout the day. 

Cee and K in their most natural state

The way you prioritize communication in your friendships is unmatched. Whether I’m 100, 1,000, or 10,000 miles away, you always keep me in the loop. It makes me feel loved. You tell me about people I’ll most likely never meet because they’re important to you. And if they’re important to you, they’re important to me. 

In 2017, we had a disagreement and it lead to us not talking for well over a year. I was definitely on some crackhead shit. Although I missed you and regret not reaching out sooner, I am thankful for my own personal growth during that period. After our split, an intense romantic breakup, and multiple emotional breakdowns, I realized I needed to get it together. Fast. 

Since our reconciliation, you’ve noted a more communicative, responsible, and empathetic Ciera. That was purposeful. I knew I had to do intense internal work before I ruined yet another relationship, so that’s what I did. The work. I didn’t think you and I would ever talk again, but still, I wanted to be a good lover to any future friends and partners. Thank you so much for reaching out first, friend. 

I love you. It’s so simple. You’re the peanut butter to my jelly. The weed to my brownie. The Bertie to my Tuca. The Cece to my Issa. You’re my best friend and I’m so glad we’ve decided to do this together. 

Much love bro bro,

Highwater Cee