Dear 304 ...

Dear 304 ...

This song came on the radio when I was in the car yesterday. It took me back 6 months. In my opinion, the goodbyes were rushed because everyone had to leave immediately for one reason or another. We knew things were going to be different now, but in a way, we went through the motions as if tomorrow would be the same as today, nothing would have changed, circumstances and schedules would have remained the same.

On that last day, my college best friends and I packed up the apartment and our personal belongings. 4 years of our lives suddenly seemed so tiny and plain as everything fit into boxes and cars. However, we knew the true story inside those boxes.

One last look around.
One final hug.
“I can’t believe this is it.”
“It’s been great. It’s been fun.”
“I’m going to miss you.”
“Me too.”
“I gotta go. They’re waiting for me.”
“Yeah, me too. Have a safe trip.”

bye.
bye.

A few hours later, when everyone was back at their permanent addresses, this song was linked through instant messages. We still had remnants of 304 on us. I’ll be honest, I teared up as the emotions and memories from the last 4 years hit me as a giant slap in the face. A good slap. But still a slap nevertheless, as a reminder that it all came and went by too fast.

Tina, I’m sorry you were not available at that time for that final 304 moment. But here it is again - this time shared across state lines and time zones.

The emotions, memories and sentiments remain true. This may mean that proper goodbyes were never needed because we will never really say goodbye to each other. Let’s pick up from where we left off...

Hello.

p.s. For those who don't know Chinese, learn some Chinese and translate the lyrics (or google translated lyrics). Despite the corny and tacky late-90s graphics, it's a nice song.

Friends by Emil Chau
朋友 by 周華健