... I guess it kind of makes sense that I would find myself back here, wouldn't it? It's been a while. I know we grew distant over time, but I still miss you.

I remember when you first reached out to me on Deviant Art, all the way back in 2007. I drew Renee with Aaron, who I still called Carlos back then. It was such a cringe joke in hindsight, but I would love to be able to laugh about it with you now if I could. The years flew by and, while we still talked here and there, we weren't nearly as close as I was with other people online... but then, by chance, I ran into you in person.

You were at Anime Expo, and I caught sight of Renee on your badge. It felt surreal... I got to meet one of my online friends by chance. I got to meet you. It almost felt like it was meant to happen, that I got to finally see you and hear you and spend time with you. I wish I had that chance again.

I never really had the chance to process my grief. The news came to me so suddenly, so unceremoniously, that I thought I was being lied to. Within only a few years of being able to see you, I found out I would never have that chance again. But that was what I felt back then... now, I'm just glad that we had the chance to meet at all. I miss you, my friend... I still admire you, I still wish you all the best, and I hope that we'll have the chance to meet again someday...

 JasenTamiia