Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The wind runs in through the open windowsill. However, we were fine in the kitchen: my cousin and I. We had warmth. Warmth from the boiling pot on top of a portable stove. Inside were noodles and seasoning packets. We ate well and talked lots. We talked on topics we never brought up with anyone else. We were close friends. Sometimes we’d enjoy the world, smiling back at the bright sun. And sometimes we’d enjoy the silence to distance ourselves from others. Sincerely, I thought that everything would be okay.

But over time, we isolated ourselves from each other. The pandemic occurred. With online school coming in, and her continuous busy nights, we gradually separated. Even with the pandemic getting better, we lost interest in the process. We’d spend holiday dinners together with family, but no words came out of our mouths. I shout in my head, telling myself to go up to her. Will she recognize me? What if she’s changed? Should I even talk to her? Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The wind entered back through the same windowsill. A crowd of thoughts filled my head.

Building up enough courage, I walked over. Surprisingly, we got along. My face goes bright, as we talk about when we were younger. She never forgot. I never forgot. Being stuck in the pandemic reminded us of real quality time. I realized maybe everything would be okay. Whether you’re parting from them, or they’re parting from you, your happiest moments stay with you.