I could hear January breathing on the other end of the phone.

Perhaps she could hear me crying too; not only with her ears, but with her heart.

“Essie, I’m really sorry. Is there anything I can do?
I promise, I’ll always be here if you ever need anyone to talk to,”

she said.

“I’m really glad I got to know you, Essie Miracle. I know we didn’t talk a ton in school, but we didn’t have to.
We always understood each other.
You were never afraid to be yourself and stand out from the crowd, no matter what. That’s what I admire about you.
I’m not sure if this will help a whole lot, but I just want you to know that you should never stop being th person God made you to be.
No matter what happens in the world around you,” she told me.

“Thanks,” I whispered.
“I really needed that.”

“Anytime,”
she replied.

“I promise, I’ll give you the address, and I’ll write to you as much as possible,”

I said.

At least I knew one thing would always stay the same—our friendship.