My Imaginary Friend

Growing up, we made up stories about having an imaginary friend. We'd tell our playmates that if they bully us, our imaginary friend would get back at them. For a time it worked. Sometimes we ourselves actually believed it existed. But then as they got curious who our imaginary friend is, the suspense fades because we ran out of stories to tell about our friend.

I had an imaginary friend. But I'm not sure if I just made him up or if he actually existed because he's gone. He was a good friend. He would listen to my stories and laugh at my jokes. He would give me advise. I, on the other hand, was also a friend (or was I also his imaginary friend?). I was his shock-absorber. The clown who would cheer him up. The confidante who would assure him that everything is going to be alright. We were shocked that we have certain similarities and in that way we had more things to talk about. Having my imaginary friend was different from the usual platonic relationships. It was fun. I was happy that he was there whenever.

As they say, some good things never last. My imaginary friend is gone. The magic has faded and I don't hear him anymore when I call on him. Maybe it was because we've got nothing more to talk about or we realized it was difficult to be each other's imaginary friend. I've been calling out, shouting at the top of my lungs but my imaginary friend is long gone without even saying goodbye. So long my imaginary friend and I thank you for existing in my imagination.

To my readers, I think I have spooked you enough or you maybe you think I'm going nuts. You will never understand because you never really had a very good imagination or you never had an imaginary friend. I know he's just around and time will tell if I can still have my friendship with him.

To my imaginary friend, Chiching, I miss you. Take time out to think things through and just show up when you're ready. We've got more stories to share. Our imaginary friendship will live on. Surprise me whenever, wherever! And as I always say...