I remember meeting you in secondary school, for the first two years we didn't really talk much, only giving the occasional nod when we walked past each other. I remember you as a very stoic and quiet person, during classes while the class clowns were making a fool of themselves, you would sit at the side quietly taking notes, and while others were playing in the field during lunch break, you would sit at the back of class, reading a book or drawing in your sketchbook. You didn't really interact much with others, yet you were respected by all the other kids.

  The first time we really talked to each other was during one of the long bus rides back to school from an external event. It was already very late, the bus was dark and most of the other students were either sleeping or talking on their phone. I think I was the one that started asking questions first, then it became a back and forth thing. I remember us talking about deep philosophical stuff, things that I would never feel comfortable talking about with other people, yet that night, maybe it was the atmosphere, or maybe it was just you, but we got really deep into the conversation that night.

  "If you could choose the way you died what would it be?" was one of the questions I remembered you asking.

  "I would die honorably, hopefully while doing something heroic so that people would remember me." I replied. "What about you?"

  "I would choose to die in a cave alone," you answered.

  "Wait why?" I replied back, that wasn't a really conventional answer.

  "So that people won't be sad for me." I knew you were different from the other students that day. You were more mature and had a different perspective on things. 

  After that day, for every long bus ride we would sit together and started talking; sharing about our secrets, thoughts, and a side of us that we hid away from others. We got closer and I came to know you as a reliable friend that I could share anything with without a fear of judgement. We started hanging out during lunch breaks and we would just talk. You enjoyed reading books and drawing, so we talked about about those. We talked about our favorite books, drawings, etc. You probably already know this, but after befriending you my life kind of took a change for the better. My grades improved after your studious nature rubbed off on me. I also started reading more, and eventually also started writing. 

  The last time we kind of met was during our secondary school graduation ceremony, I remembered we gave each other a hug and said our goodbyes. You had told me about your plans to return to the Philippines after graduation, we both knew that that day could be the last time we see each other for a very long time. It has been almost six years since that day, sadly we do not keep contact anymore. You know sometimes I still think about the times we spent together, the conversations we had, you were extremely influential and were there for me during the period of time that I was really lost. I do not know where you are or what you are doing right now, but I wish you all the best for the times I spent with you were the best times that I had.