Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again." He hesitated searching for the right words. "You might not understand, but I gave you the best of me, and after you left, nothing was ever the same.

In another time and place, she might have felt differently, but thinking along those lines was pointless now.

I just tell people what they already know but are afraid to admit to themselves.

I've learned that memories can have a physical, almost living presence.

It's easy to write something average or even something good. But writing well is quite challenging.

Things changed, people changed, and the world went rolling along right outside the window.

That's the difference between family and friends. Family is always there, no matter what, even when it's not right next door. Which means that you'll find a way to keep the connection alive. Especially since you realize how important it is.