To Joanne

You'll be leaving for France in a few hours.

When we hugged just before I drove off, you were starting to cry. I told you "Hey, no tears", and you smiled. I said "It's not like you're that far away anyway", and you said "Yeah, but it's going to be different".

You're right. It's going to be different. Heck, it's already different. It's funny. We've changed so much in the last few years, haven't we? I always remember fighting with you when we were kids. And suddenly, here we are, years later, all grown up. Used to be the only time I made you cry was when I was bullying you or something. It never used to be cos you were leaving for some faraway land.

Where did all that time go?

I looked through some old photos just now. Do you remember the first time you came here to visit me with Mum & Dad? We went to Tahoe in winter and you got sick. Damn, I was pissed at you for spoiling the holiday. :) You looked so different. Back then, you were an awkward teenager on the cusp of becoming an adult. Almost a decade later, you've bloomed into a confident composed young lady.

Really, where did all that time go?

It's just not the same any more. We never really talked much when we were living half an hour away. But now that you're leaving, I feel like something is missing. I'm gonna miss you sis.