I was taking in the garbage bin and I thought this would be a good opportunity to see if I can get Richard's phone number. He's an old school friend a few houses down from me.We went to school together but different class, played soccer and hockey together, went to my first under 18 disco with him and some friends, then later to night clubs. His mother greeted me then she called his father. I say hello, remember me? "What's your name?" "Kamal".
"Ohh Kamal, you look different." (17 years would do that)
"He's not here. He died in November, he got sick and passed away."
I don't believe it. I wanted to ask more but they were visibly still distressed so my curiosity will have to be satisfied another way.
His mother said that he was always thinking of me and would've love to have seen me again. Me too.
I just can't believe I just missed meeting him. He seemed healthier than me, so I assumed I had time.
This also happened to my best friend Frank, my soul mate. We were a yin and yan friendship, just like the Arnold and Danny movie "Twins". I was Arnold...only joking, he was Arnold and I was Danny. He had all the luck, the physique, the charm, the looks, I had the opposite. I was thinking of him and called. But there was no reply. Later I find out that he died, close to when I called. I just missed him too. We used to spend a lot of time wasting time. I often wondered about my future during some of those times. Now I know.
I'm now thinking what I have missed, what they were up to. I'll try to get in touch with other friends if possible (since it have been more than 17 years) to see what happened. I can't believe this is how things end. Till then..
Here's to old friends. May God have mercy on their souls and forgive their sins. Rest in peace.
