Some people are born special – their very presence resounds in the hearts and minds of everyone they know.

When you sit next to them, you can’t help but have your mood raised up a notch.

When they smile, you can’t help but laugh.

Often you’ve never spoke much with them nor had any long conversations, but you feel close anyway.

I know one of those people. His name is Rizky Rahadianto.

I could write a long list of what he has been in the past, but here’s one thing he is: my friend.

24 hours ago, his plane took off. He’s earned a full-term scholarship to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, which means that he won’t be back for at least three to four years. Or perhaps some lebarans in between.

25 hours ago, I had the chance to see him enter the boarding gate, past the security officers.

Farewell, Ichi, until our paths cross once again.

You will be remembered.