The Goodbye

“Goodbye” is a pretty easy word to say with your mouth: a quick double snap of your jaw, a swift undulating of your tongue, and a smooth humming from the peak of your throat. However, it is also truly one of the most difficult words to say with your heart. I’m not referring to the type of goodbyes you toss to each one of your friends at the end of an arduous school day, the ones you kiss your mother farewell with, or the parting words that you bequeath to your teachers at the end of each semester; I’m talking about the type of good-byes with which you leave a friend, like a verbal souvenir to remind you of the close, valuable friendship you once cherished.

                  Even the most beautiful thing, such as friendship, can indeed go wrong. Out of many friendships, there are always at least one that leaves a stain on your heart. Sometimes it is self-inflicted and shatters expeditiously. At other times it feels unforced; the once unbreakable bond slowly crumbles, much like a natural erosion, and both friends start to drift away from one another. You’re aware of the difference in your friendship, from the way you greet each other, the tone and enthusiasm in your voice when carrying out a casual conversation, to the ebb of your best friend’s name on the caller I.D. Despite the heaviness pressing onto your hearts, neither of you makes the effort to rekindle your fleeting friendship.

                  There is a quote that goes something like, “It is the greatest thing when two strangers become the best of friends, but the saddest thing when two best friends become strangers.” It is, of course, one of the greater impalpable losses in life, but remember also another well-known saying, “As one door closes, another one opens.” Your old friend’s shoes may never be filled, but you can always live on the memories of the indelible, exhilarating, compassionate, and morally educational moments, as well as the affinity and strong connection you two established together. But now you know there’s nothing more you can do except let destiny take over. You finally accept your superseded, worn-out friendship. With one last breath of sentimental communication, a pinch of closure, and one last hush of your heart, you send off your best-wishes

and you say:

“Goodbye.”