A year has passed, a whole year without a single word exchanged. Although we often bumped into each other at school, I never summoned the courage to call you first. With just one word, I knew the wall of ice separating us would melt. I knew we could rekindle our friendship. I've tried time and again to reach out to you, but I've failed, completely.

The words that were about to come out were always held back by my pitiful, wounded pride even though I keep telling myself that "when you hold back for a moment the storm calms; when you take a step back, the sea opens up".  GR, you know I will never, ever bow to you. My pride won't allow me to.  It is too strong to tolerate the slightest insult. And to salvage what little pride I have left, I won't take that first step.   You're proud, but I'm even prouder.

You should understand that you bear the lion's share of responsibility for that unpleasant incident. Of course, I don't deny that I was too serious and criticized you too harshly, causing you to feel completely overwhelmed. But was that my fault? Did you ever truly consider me? Did you? Do you know how deeply your behavior that time broke my heart and made me lose all hope in you? I could endure everything without complaint because I cherish our friendship, the friendship we've cultivated for over five years. Moreover, I have always firmly believed that your heart is kind and pure. This hasn't changed because of the rift between us.

 

I'm nine full months older than you, and you were spoiled at home.  In fact, I'm no less spoiled than you in this respect.  I, too, was a little sister who was loved and cared for since childhood. For these two reasons alone, I treated you like my own sister, accommodating you, guiding you, and answering all your questions and problems. There was a time when you treated me like a sister, frequently visiting my home to chat and share all your joys and sorrows. We were so happy, so harmonious back then!

Now, over a trivial matter, we've parted ways, and we're like strangers when we meet again. GR, do you think it was worth it?  Perhaps my feelings deceived me; you never valued our friendship from the beginning.

Don't think that my heart has cooled just because I stopped smiling at you. For all the hundreds of sweet days we've shared, I still harbor a suppressed flame: the flame of my emotions. I am an excellent actress, and my acting is very convincing.  Although on the outside I appear calm, indifferent and unconcerned, I have always maintained a full heart of love for you.  Do you know how many lonely nights, when the night was quiet, I secretly cried? Do you know how much pain I felt when they teased you behind your back, mocking your ostentatious clothes and overly indulgent attitude? Those words were like sharp arrows piercing my heart. How heavy and painful I felt then! I know full well that your change was driven by your competitive spirit.   Being a little more competitive than others isn't that bad, is it?  I also know you have no ill intentions; you simply want to keep up with the times! Even though you're seventeen, your grown-up exterior hides the heart of a child. I know all this clearly and understand it all. And I believe you also understand that I'm the only one who truly understands you. They're just pretending to be nice to you.

There were times when I wondered if you were truly content. With a father who cherished you like a treasure, two sisters who loved you utterly, and a brother who cared deeply for you, I thought you no longer needed friendship; your heart was completely filled with the love of family. But when my eyes met yours, filled with melancholy, I felt deeply the emptiness and helplessness you felt within.  No one wants to isolate herself, right?

GR, let's tear off that childish page!  We're not children anymore; we can't act so impulsively.  If you're willing to curb your stubbornness and reach out to me first, I'll forget all the unhappiness.  In fact, I've already completely forgiven you long before this.  I'll be your best friend again.

Although a broken mirror can't be mended, we can make another new one which is brighter, clearer, and more perfect. The friendship of the past has faded, but why don't we rebuild a purer, stronger, and more everlasting friendship? Let the past be the past! GR, I'm looking forward to connect with you again!