...

It's surprising, sometimes, how quickly someone can integrate themselves into your life. You're just swimming along, perfectly fine, and suddenly you're thinking that you really need to tell x about that funny thing you saw earlier on your way to work, and wanting to hear about the inconsequentialities of their days. They've managed to slot in, quietly, while you weren't looking, and you realise one day that you don't want to not have that.

And then they tell you that they're going away. And you won't get to see them before they go. No, they're not sure when they're coming back. Yes, you understand that it's a brilliant opportunity, and you really are genuinely happy for them. Of course, it's early days and it's not an earth-shattering thing. We'll obviously keep in touch.

So you hang up the phone. Set it down gently. Go into your room, shut the door, and cry into a pillow. You don't want to have to explain to your flatmate why you sound like your heart's been broken.