Dear Maemae,

Happiest birthday to you! You're turning 23 today wow. I hope you can look back at the years and be proud of yourself. Either way, I'm really, really proud of how far you've come, and everything you've accomplished (even though I wasn't there through the most part, and for that I'm sorry). I've always known that you were meant for much greater things. There's truly no limit to your greatness, Maemae.

Since I missed out on a few birthdays, I want this to be an apology along with a gap filler (even though it might not be much hahah). I'm sorry I couldn't be there to help you through the obstacles in your life. I want this to also be a thank you, for everything you've ever done for me. I never forgot, and will never forget, the considerate things you did for me. You've always been a pillar of support in my life even if you never knew it. You've always been there for me. Whenever my days get tough, I always remind myself of you and it always gives me the strength to push through. The thought of “Maemae would never give up” has always been the light in the dark tunnel for me. Heck. Even if it's a normal day, memories of you flood in and always brings me joy & puts a smile on my face. Memories of the stupid stuff we did, the late nights where I try to get you to bed (which is impossible), playing PUBG together, times where you were with me while I build my dumb little rooms on fresh, the little banter sessions we do between ourselves, the messages you leave me after I fall asleep while talking to you (still sorry for those moments), or just doing nothing at all, and just having a great time together. I remember we used to recommend anime to each other. Ever since you've introduced me to Demon Slayer, I've been a big fan of it hahah. I remember you used to flame me for recommending you Ao Haru Ride, since the anime didn't cover the full manga storyline, sorry hahhaha. Thank you for making me the happiest I've ever been too. I am eternally grateful for you and I thank God that I met you.

Hearing from you after all those years felt surreal. I was so elated to hear from you. I really thought you were gone forever, and that I would never meet you again. I used to dread those thoughts every day. Still, it was more than worth going through those dreadful thoughts if it meant I would get to hear from you. I would do it a million times and over. Thank you for coming back, Maemae. I know it's been really hard for you. You're always trying your best to handle everything by yourself, and not to burden anybody. I just want to let you know that you're not a burden to anyone. You can always lean on me if you ever need any help. I know that you're more than capable of handling anything that's thrown your way, but you can always count on me. You're the strongest person I know, and the best human being I've ever met. You should always take care of yourself first, and I'm glad to hear that you have been taking care of yourself. I hope you aren't lying so that I wouldn't worry about you. I'll worry about you regardless Maemae, because I care about you. Still, I'm soooo proud of you.

I hope you enjoys your day, even if it's just a little bit. Be sure to eat some cake, and celebrate yourself. If you won't then I will! I am your biggest admirer, and I hope to be so forever. I pray that the remainder of the year will be great for you. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, and you always have Insha'Allah. I wish you peace, success and happiness always, without end. You deserve all of it, and so much more. No matter what choices you make, I'll always respect & support you. Even if it ever feels like the whole world is against you, just remember that I'll always be on your side.

Before ending, I want to remind you of a quote that you told me to remember: “There's nothing for you to regret if you've done your absolute best”. Those words have helped me through a lot, and I hope they will help you too (even though they came from you in the first place hahaha).

I can go on and on, but I'll end it here for now hahaha. Once again, happiest 23rd birthday to you Maemae. May you reach the stars and beyond.

Your Bestie Foreveie,
Nauf.