Per aspera ad astra

Through difficulties to the stars. Through the pain of silence, of inner turmoil, of people not understanding what went on within you.

The tears are at the brink, but they don’t come. I think of the time we spent together - the talks, the drinking and the music. All the planning, the late nights and the endless puns. But through it all, I remember fondly the constant undercurrent of laughter and joy. I failed to peel off that layer of mirth to see the melancholy. I failed to see the weariness beneath those ever vigilant eyes. We were all puzzled at times, but we buried our doubts beneath our admiration for your sheer brilliance and output.

And so you went. Now the tears come. The doubts, the remorse, and the what-couldve-beens. The never ending what-ifs. The Sun has set now, but the stars will shine brighter tonight. I shall look up, and remember each time that ever-curious, hyper-fascinating nerd I was privileged to call a friend. You always belonged to the stars. Per aspera ad astra, my friend.