Like ships in the night

SN, my roommate whom I've known for nearly five years and lived with for nearly two left for home (India) today. When she returns, it'll be only to pick up her stuff and move to North Carolina for med school. Another friend is leaving for China and won't be back till after I've left for Malaysia in August.

The hardest goodbyes are not the ones precipitated on you by taxi, bus, or plane. Those require little mental effort, since circumstances force you apart. The hardest are the ones where, with nothing immediately pressing, you have to finally get up and walk away from a friend, knowing you might not see them again for a very long time.