we've talked about where to get our cheongsams from when we get married. we've wondered silly about getting pregnant at the same time. this time we forgot about Loacker and strawberry yoghurt beside the Singapore River. But in its place, we sat under the comfort of Sapphire, took in the beauty before us, and shared our deepest feelings and rants. it seemed like we conquered the world on that chairlift, lifting off the ground with a guarded sense of liberation. but i know despite the momentary elevation, we will always be firmly rooted to the ground, just like how we clutched our slippers with all our lives. yes, i know both of us will stand firm.

each time we meet again we grow up a little. we journey on separate paths to becoming young women, but i'd like to think that this contribution of different experiences will only make our friendship more colourful. we've had meaningful talks together this time round. the person we both love deeply, and the people who've hurt just as deep. i'm just glad you were here through it all.

we don't tell each other everything, but we know enough, and that's what matters. there's something different about my friendship with you. almost God-ordained, the way i see it.

and here's a section of heartfelt thanks to you. thanks for always being there for me, thanks for being willing to hear me out. thanks for being patient when i get irritating, thanks for tolerating all my nonsense. thanks for all your encouragement and hugs, thanks for all your winks and silly smiles. thanks for bringing laughter and understanding to my life, thanks for sharing the important experiences of my life with me. thanks, for being a friend.

goodbye only gets harder to say because it gets better each time you come back. but like you once said, goodbye only means hello is around the corner. the next time we meet again, i know it'll be a whole new experience. i'll always be here for you, and i know you will too.