By Lionel Kayembe

“You want to go to the playground?” These were words we often said to each other while hanging out. It was fun; we were laughing, running, and jumping around. I will never forget the smiles it brought to our faces—smiles that rarely exist now. The unbothered joy is no longer unbothered, and the joy is no longer pure. That’s what I think, at least, but when you’re around, it’s a bit better. I guess I still am my childish self with you, giggling and chuckling about things we never really found funny until now.

I remember when you told me in grade school that you peed your pants after I made you laugh, totally embarrassed, but absolutely adorable. When you told me that was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened in your life, but I made it better. You don’t know how happy I was when you said that. When you told me that you planned a party for my win in a football game, but told people the wrong date, and so you were sitting there alone, waiting for me. It was one of the happiest moments of my life, and even now, you still make me so happy without even realizing it. Maybe growing up is good—just to have more memories to share with you, more funny stories, more happy moments. I never realized it would come to this; us. But it really makes sense; after all, the promise we made as kids still stands, right? 

“We’ll always be together no matter how shitty we’ve become, okay?” 

“Yeah, we’ll be together forever.”

Looking back at the past with you makes me long for it again, but I think I’d rather stay with future you right now. I’d say I’ll see you again when we get older, but that sounds a little cringe, doesn’t it? Well, I’ll say it anyway, and if anyone deserves a little cringe, it’s the person who’s been by my side since we were toddlers.

Love you, M.

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Lionel Kayembe is an author and musician who lives in Germany. He likes to read interactive fiction. He also drums and dances in his free time. You can find him on Instagram @lionel026.