Full Circle
I just thank God we got to talk again, even if it was by accident.
Written last 2020
August 5, 2017
Dear Nova,
I can’t believe high school is finished. Do you believe it? We’re in college! Although, I didn’t expect you to move so far away. Why do you have to go to the other side of the world? I can see you’re trying to escape, and I’m here for you. You, my friend, are living your dream! You’ll be a brilliant chef.
Do you remember the first time you came to school? You gave us cookies to get on our “good side,” whatever that means. But boy am I glad I ate that cookie! It was one of the best I ever had.
I’ll miss your foods. I’ll miss you even more. (but yeah, I’ll miss your cookies).
Sincerely,
Your best friend who you better not forget,
Fabian.
October 13, 2017
Dear Nova,
It’s great to see you having fun! But your parents are getting worried. Why haven’t you called them since you got there? You told me you aren’t close, but come on! Talk to them! They miss you. We miss you. Don’t make this hard for them. No, I’m not siding with them. I see you rolling your eyes. And yes, I am completely aware you’re sighing as you read this.
What they did was horrible. But they’re still your parents. Message them. Call me when you’re free. I’m always here for you.
Sincerely,
You better not bail on me,
Fabian.
January 3, 2018
Dear Nova,
Helloooooo! Are you there? You haven’t replied to any of our emails, calls, or texts! We miss you! You didn’t even contact us during the holidays. Japan isn’t keeping you caged, is it? Because if they were, I’d fly over and kick their asses!
I’m kidding! I’ll run the moment they crack their knuckles and stare at me. (P.S. You were right, Death Note is a GREAT series.)
But where are you? I know you want to cut off your parents. I won’t say I agree, but I understand. You love them, but you can’t keep them in your life anymore.
But what about your sister? She’s freaking out, and she’s not telling me why. I’m not sure if it’s because of her new boyfriend (she broke up with Jaden), or school, or what’s happening in the family. You’re the only one who can get to her. So please. Do us a favor. Call. Her. Call. ME!
I thought you won’t bail on us, Nova. We love you. We’re concerned. And you’re happy in Japan. I get it. You have that freedom. The government there is excellent, compared to the crap we have here. But damn it, you can’t cut us out of your life.
Call me. I’m serious. I love you.
Sincerely,
Someone worried and borderline pissed,
Fabian.
June 28, 2018
Dear Nova,
First, can I just say, thank GOD you replied!
Your sister is doing better. Your parents are coping. I know you hate it when I mention them. It’s not my place, but can’t you at least call them? You already made it clear you have no plans of going back. You told me over the phone. But they’re still family. And yes, they’re not the best. They don’t deserve the hall of fame in your life. But contact them. Ask them how they are doing.
Speaking of family and you not coming back, I CANNOT believe you don’t plan coming back here! You’re breaking my heart. Do you hear the crack? It did. It’s shattering. But I love you. We love you. And if that’s what it takes for you to be happy, I’ll respect that.
We love you, chef. Reach your dreams. Never look back. I’ll be cheering for you.
Sincerely,
Your friend,
Fabian.
April 30, 2019
Dear Nova,
Before anything else, grab your glass and champagne and let’s celebrate, because girl, you did it!
Congratulations on your promotion, chef Nova! Don’t brush it away and say, “I’m not there yet!” Whatever! Sous Chef is good enough. Did you call your parents? They’ll be happy with the news!
When I go to Japan, you better take me to your restaurant!
I’m proud of you.
Sincerely,
Fabian.
May 4, 2020
Dear Nova,
It’s funny how the universe brings us to full circle. I’m glad I saw you last weekend! Who knew that Paris is where we’d meet again. And you offered me a cookie! It tastes better, but I still prefer the first one you gave me.
Congratulations on your scholarship. You deserve it. You get to experiment on foods, and your lover boy is the poor man who has to taste them!
He loves you. You don’t know this, but back in high school, I ate the cookie not because I wanted to eat, (although duh it was part of it), but it was because of your smile. What we saw in you then, he sees in you now. He’ll treat you right. He better. Because if not, he’s going to wake up stranded in the middle of nowhere!
Everything has changed. But I’m grateful. We reached our dreams. I get to become an awesome journalist who gets to travel the world. You get to be this legendary chef who, from what I hear, is the top of the culinary class.
We’re going places. We won’t meet for a long time. Heck, we might not message as much anymore. But that’s life. We’ve been with each other through heaven and hell. I just thank God we got to talk again, even if it was by accident.
Your home is in doing the things you love. And I’m glad you found it. I’m glad you have something and someone to go home to.
Until the next accidental meet-up!
Sincerely,
Your former home,
Fabian.
