Thursday, August 11, 2022
I met Jessie in 7th grade. She was the only other person in our friend group who loved books as much as I do, and we bonded over that. One Christmas she gave me my first sci-fi book. I had never consumed sci-fi before and was skeptical. But I trusted her... and she was right. Sci-fi is amazing and I haven't looked back. She also got me into this band her older siblings listened to, Guster. In fact, the month after we graduated, she drove a couple of us out to Buffalo to see them in concert. I've seen them another 8 times, and I think of Jessie every time and how grateful I am that I know this band exists because of her.
Jessie and I lost touch after high school -- I don't even know if she was still answering to Jessie anymore -- but I always think of her as one of my favorite people. The memories of the time we spent together as teenagers are so full of love and care: playing hide-and-go-seek-in-the-dark, wailing on her uncle's drum kit in the basement, giggling through old Beatles and Monty Python movies. Joy at a time when many of us found joy hard to come by. Moments of "you too?" at a time when many of us felt so alone. I think she saw me for the bizarre person I am, and loved me anyway. I hope it felt mutual.
Jessie will live on not only in our memories and stories, but also in my Guster t-shirts, my Doctor Who soap dispenser, and the friendships I've made in various fandoms. I love her and I miss her, and I know I'm only one of many.
So long, so long, and onto the next one.
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