Nine Lives (that I will miss)

The number "9" is abundant in popular culture right now. From the Fellini-inspired musical to Tim Burton's animated apocalyptic adventure, "9" is hip. And entirely coincidentally, "9" is the number of non-relatives that I will struggle to live with out for the next four months. 

Of the thousands of people I've met and talked with over the past 18 years, only 9 stand out. Only 9 will be missed. 

Of those 9, only two live within moderate travel distance. And I feel that the chances that I'll see either of those two are slim to none.

Of the remaining 7, two may come to visit me for NU's homecoming vs IU. But again, I feel that this is probably wishful thinking, and will not actually come to fruition. 

Of the last 5, one will still be attending CGHS. I don't think we'll have trouble keeping in touch, because she's essentially my younger sister. We need each other's perspective.

4 left. Two are attending private Indiana colleges. Two are fleeing our God-forsaken state and taking refuge in schools with nationally acclaimed basketball programs. Needless to say, they will be preoccupied. 

I love these 9. My love for each of them is unique. I dread the upcoming months because of my love for these 9 individuals. But then I remember it's only four months. I'll see them all soon enough. My importance to some of them will inevitably shrink. But I will always love them.