I don't know what happened, and I don't need to know. You were there, and now you're gone. You said you would still be there for me, and then fell into silence. I had thought, had hoped, you were finding your own happiness. Finally focusing on yourself. Gods know you needed it. So I waited. After trying to reach out a few times and smacking my hand against a wall of silence, I waited. Waited for the day you could reach out to me and tell me you finally healed. Waited for the day you could come to me and say you were finally, truly happy. Yet when the silence stretched on to an unbearable cacophony, I looked into the dark shadows where you sometimes seemed to linger, just your silhouette barely visible, standing watch, waiting for when I might need your strength. There was no silhouette. No scent of cinnamon and sage lingering faintly in the air. Suddenly, as with so many other times in my life, you slipped away without a word.

I don't know what happened. I have my guesses, yet I don't need to know. I just need to know you're going to be okay. I just need to know that it wasn't empty or hollow words we exchanged when last we spoke. I just need to know that you'll return to my life someday, as you always have before, when circumstances allow. I just need to know that this last time hasn't shattered you beyond repair. I just need to know that you know you still have a friend in me, even if I'm far from a good friend. I just need to know that you know I still care about you, and want you to be okay. I just need to know that you're going to be okay.

Please be okay?