The 30-Day Writing Challenge
#LivingWriters #Viettothon30days
Week 2 – Day 8 – 30th Jan 2025
Topic #1: A Relationship You Deeply Value and Why

There are many relationships in my life that I cherish deeply (besides my parents and son). I have a small circle of friends—some I keep in touch with, and only a few I consider close or best friends. Each of these friendships has been shaped through different circumstances.

And then, there is one.

I’ve known her for more than 15 years. To this day, I can’t quite explain why we became so close, especially since I met her through another childhood friend. My high school years were not the happiest—I carried a lot of sadness with me. She, on the other hand, was always full of positivity. I still remember the days of Yahoo! 360 blog, where I used to post melancholic stories while listening to instrumental sad music. She once asked me why. I told her that by immersing myself in sadness, I reminded myself that there are far worse struggles in the world, and it helped me appreciate life and push through tough times.

During our summer breaks, we worked together as babysitters at a children’s school. It was one of the best times we had—whispering about our dreams and ambitions while the kids napped. She still remembers how eager I was to become a businesswoman and start my own company, just as I remember her American dream.

She has always been a caring person, paying attention to the smallest details in others. I’ll never forget how she took care of a student who had a stomachache, staying by his side until he fell asleep. That’s just who she is—someone you can trust without question.

When I was in university, I got the news that she had received her visa and would be moving to the U.S. It was a bittersweet moment. I was incredibly happy for her, yet the thought of my best friend being so far away was unbearable. I cried the entire way back to my hometown.

Even after she moved, she called me internationally from the U.S.—something that felt so cool at the time. I still keep a postcard she sent me, a drawing she made on her new laptop. We continued to talk for years about her life in the U.S., and I still remember two painful moments she went through. I carried them with me, always wishing I could be there for her. And I’m so proud of how far she has come.

But eventually, distance won. And I believe it was more my fault.

There was a time we lost touch, right after my graduation. I got into a romantic relationship and, without realizing it, distanced myself from the world, including her. I still feel guilty for not being there when she was facing her own struggles.

But destiny brought us back together.

Over the past year, we’ve met more often now that she has her U.S. citizenship and travels back to Vietnam frequently. And she has been here for me during one of the most difficult periods of my life again. She listens—not just to respond, but to truly understand. Our conversations stretch for four to five hours, yet we never seem to notice the time passing.

She doesn’t just give advice—she creates a space where you feel safe, where you can think freely. Even if I don’t follow her advice, she never judges me. She doesn’t try to blame others who hurt me, just to make me feel better. Instead, she helps me believe in a brighter, better future.

She has been in a loving relationship for years now, and I couldn’t be happier for her. She once taught me a lesson about love that I always carry with me. The only thing I fear is seeing someone hurt her, and I pray that never happens.

Her birthday is coming soon, and I hope to share this with her. We have so many plans together—especially after my Europe trip and before her birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, N. (STEPPIE)