The last of the burnt-orange leaves have begun to fall. Raked clouds hide the setting sun who’s eager to sleep, leaving silhouettes of barren branches stamped against the sky. Hot cocoa and crackling firewood emit warmth into the cold air as days grow shorter and autumn rain turns to winter hail.
A fire pit burns between two friends on the Great Dane patio. They both lean forward with their hands cupped above the flames, hot drinks just a short reach away. Their conversation zips between memories of home and childhood friends who they used to see everyday.
One of them grew up in Turkey and describes his grandfather’s fish farming business from 60 years ago, highlighting their specialty smoked salmon and trout. They mention moving back to Turkey and running the business one day — something to look forward to, mostly because they miss their close friends.
The conversation drifts to their lives now in Canada, the stories reminiscing on university life in their home countries — China and Turkey. One friend asks the other about finding friendship in Vancouver, “Most importantly, how have you found people behaving?”
There is a pause, but the friend responds, “I think people here are very isolated.”
Wind threatens to snuff out the fire, shaking the flame with dramatic puffs. The sun has almost completely set. I sink lower into the couch and cup my earl grey tea. Their words are heartbreaking, but I resonate with them.
They both agree that they know a lot of people at UBC, but they haven’t made many genuine connections. Back home they had a few best friends they would see everyday, but that has become a rarity here.
As a testament to their friendship, they decide to meet each other in Istanbul one day.
Their conversation floated in my head for the rest of the day. I think their words are a reminder that when you meet someone you really connect with, it's important to cherish that friendship. There are many wonderful people you still have to meet, but when you find someone who really gets you, you should hold on tight.
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