24. Write a letter to a friend who is moving to a new city for a new job opportunity.

Anjali Varma
501, Riverdale Apartments
Kochi, Kerala 682021

March 3, 2024

Dear Raj,
As I sit by the window, watching the rain gently tap against the glass, I find myself reflecting on the many seasons of friendship we’ve shared. It seems like only yesterday we were planning our futures, dreaming of the paths we’d take. And now, here you are, ready to embark on an incredible new journey, moving to a new city for a job opportunity that speaks volumes of your talent and hard work.
Firstly, congratulations, Raj! This job is a testament to your dedication, your skills, and your unwavering commitment to your goals. Knowing how hard you’ve worked for this, I couldn’t be prouder or more excited for you. Yet, as your friend, I must admit, the thought of you moving away brings a bittersweet tinge to my heart. I’ll miss our impromptu coffee dates, our long walks where we’d solve the world’s problems, and simply knowing you were just around the corner.
But this isn’t about me. It’s about you and the incredible adventure that awaits you. A new city offers a canvas so vast, filled with the promise of new experiences, learning, and growth. There will be challenges, of course—navigating unfamiliar streets, meeting new people, and settling into a new routine—but knowing you, I have no doubt you’ll turn each challenge into an opportunity.
Embrace this change, Raj. Let it shape you, but also take with you the essence of who you are and where you’ve come from. Remember, it’s the memories we’ve created and the bonds we share that anchor us, no matter how far we may venture.
I encourage you to explore your new surroundings with the curiosity and openness that you’ve always shown. There will be new cafes to claim as your writing nooks, new parks where you’ll find tranquility, and new faces that will become friends. And with this job, I’m excited to see how you’ll grow professionally, how you’ll make your mark, and how you’ll navigate the successes and setbacks with grace.
Know that distance doesn’t diminish the bonds of true friendship. I’ll be here, cheering you on from miles away, eager to hear about all your new adventures. Let’s promise to keep the lines of communication open, to share the highs and the lows, and to find ways to visit. After all, it’s now an excellent excuse for me to explore a new city too.
Raj, as you close one chapter and begin another, remember you’re taking a piece of home with you—not just in belongings, but in the heart. You’re not leaving us behind; you’re extending the roots of our friendship, making it richer and more expansive.
Congratulations again on this new chapter. May it be everything you’ve hoped for and more. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will do and the person you will become in this new chapter of your life.
With all my love and best wishes,

Anjali