cashew
i think this one is one of the hardest to write. you were such a central force of my life for SO long its like trying to describe every wonder of the moon. Thank you for being one of my closest friends, even if we go months without saying a word to eachother. you've been such a vital creative partner (god. makes us sound 40 years old) and i dont think i would have pursued (looks at my portfolio) ...any of my creative passions if it wasnt for this strange tween need to make you think im cool. I often think about how we met, and how i immediately KNEW i needed to be friends with you because of your backpack and otherworldly demeanour. the memory of walking down the bypass (is that what it was called? the sneaky backalley between maths and english where we played punch yellow car) behind you, clocking your kirito keychain, and then not very subtlely yelling 'OH [josh] WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE ANIME???? OOH SWORD ART ONLINE?? THAT'S SO INTERESTING. WOW." is a memory that i will NEVER forget. I think about the bombing seagull, and pew bertie, and all of those little jokes we made to make maths go faster regularly, and what sort of soppy paragraph would this be if i didnt talk about bleach co?? who even needs a squad name when you inspired this whole world multiverse out of a doodle in a science lesson? i think your ability to create characters that i instantly love comes back to your inherent compassion and wonder. Your characters dance on the page because they really are made with all the love in the world. You have such an eye for creative endeavours, it's insane. I always really really look forward to reading, watching, oogling, or gawking at whatever you make. And, for what it's worth, you have such a good taste in fashion, too! I always loved the stars that were literally in the corners of your eyes, and the pseudo-punk outfits you rock. I can't wait to see you again.