TO MY EX BEST FRIEND

I remember when I first met you, you were smiling and sweet, joined our motley crew of misfits and told me you would be my friend forever How did you trick me into believing that?

I remember when we were happy. We would go on walks at lunchtime together, laughing, and drop by the convenience store after school, chattering Was it all an illusion?

I remember when I first saw the signs I saw the glimpses of you, controlling, mean, and selfish. But I ignored all of it because I wanted to stay in our friendship haze. Why, why didn’t I run?

I remember when you froze. I said I was moving to a different school, and then you stopped talking to me, listening to me, caring about me I can’t help wondering, was it jealousy, or was it apathy?

I remember when you ghosted me, and that haunted me Dozens of unanswered texts scattered in my mind You walked right past me in the hallways when I tried to talk. Did you know how much it hurt me?

I remember when it all exploded. When you said our group should meet, I jumped at the chance. But when I arrived, you said it was over Did you like it when you made me cry?

I remember when I finally got over you, when I realized that real friends stick with you And now I know I’m better off without you, But sometimes I wonder, did it have to end like this?

JOSHUA KIM