This is really happening. This is the end. Once I step into this car, I can say goodbye to my past. To my friends, my family. I can’t believe we are moving to Texas. I hope Mom’s job will support us. But, I have made friends, even best friends, and we have to go. Surely there's something I can do to stay... I know I’m young but I can buy my own house, I can live in the neighbors attic! I can't just leave. What about family and all the people that are sobbing right this second, thinking about us. It’s impossible to think it, but this is my last night in California.

“Hey, Emily!” She looks devastated like she has been crying. I feel awful, we have known each other for as long as I can remember.  Leaving her is like never having a best friend. “Here,” she said in a croaking voice, “Let me help you with those bags.” I don’t want her spending these last moments putting away those heavy bags. It doesn’t feel right. “No, I can’t let you do that. We have to spend time together. You don’t want to regret not hanging out for the next twenty minutes.” I set up a blanket on the floor and I realize the next time we see each other, it will be December. Tears fall down my face like a rainstorm.

I now realize why Emily is crying. I know we will feel way better if we talk this out. “Remember,” I tear up, “We always can talk over the phone. Christmas break will be here before you know it.” She laughs thinking about all the experiences we have shared. What if we never have experiences like that again. I shouldn’t think like that. I wish this moment never ends.

My mom walks in. “It’s time to go. We are all packed up.” This can’t be happening. I run upstairs, suddenly terrified of giving up what is safe to me because this might be the last time I ever see my house again. I have so many memories throughout my home and this whole situation just seems like a bad dream. Finally, I go back downstairs I give everyone big hugs, buckle my seatbelt, and we take off.

My hotel stinks! I have to sleep on the hard couch because there aren't enough beds, and my dog is close by and he snores when he sleeps. It’s lucky I have a phone to call Emily. I wonder if she is okay. “Hey Emily, how are you doing?” “I am fine, how is your hotel?” “The hotel is okay. But, I miss you already.” “Me too. I have to go. I will talk to you later.” “Bye Emily.” “Bye Sophia.” 

The power of true friendship can overcome anything, even moving away from your best friend. No one keeps us from talking to each other, even today. We see each other every Christmas. So remember, everything happens for a reason and although you may miss someone, you always have the possibility of seeing them again.