A Rather Sad Story

Today marks a friend's last day in the office. While we're all very happy for him, now that he's off to seek much greener pastures, one can't help but feel a pang of sadness over his decision. His “syoberry-lunchmate” is certainly no exception.

Fate must have had it for the two to be such good friends notwithstanding the age difference. Exactly ten years and ten days apart, the man and the kid struck up a friendship so unlikely that many have wondered the origins of it. The most I can tell of it is that they started out as a group of four people having lunch together. For reasons we know not of, the group shrunk to three people and eventually to two. While I cannot be of any use in giving the history of this unique friendship, I can however, attest to how great it is.

It could have been that they were of the same racial ancestry or that they were both born under the same month as the two easily found a connection. Stories were exchanged with great ease; hobbies were shared and received with great enthusiasm. No sooner had this started that the friendship blossomed into something more extraordinary – “sibling-hood”. The kid was soon dubbed Syoberry (a mutation of syobe, which means younger sister, and strawberry) and the man, Ahyaberry (ahya - older brother), for lack of a better and more appropriate name.

As siblings would, they took care of each other, remembering to share whatever one has to the other, especially chocolates! They both share a passion for the sinful treat despite the fact that they both mightily try to curb the same passion for different reasons. It is said that Syoberry would often add the reminder “In moderation!” when sharing chocolates with the elder Berry. The warning was never heeded however. Chocolates aside, the two Berrys love eating in general, comparing notes on the latest food binge each has taken. It isn’t a wonder that both can be heard complaining about needing a workout.

While the similarities don’t necessarily end there, both have their share of differences. A self-confessed game freak, the elder Berry is a gamer by nature. Having explored every nook and cranny of the gaming world, he still constantly drops by Syoberry’s cube for a game at her pocket PC. A big fan of animé, he muses at how the younger Berry’s hair flies away as that of a cartoon character (Thundercats anyone?). Syoberry, on the other hand is more of an artist and a writer. Aided by a pen or a mouse, she turns to writing and creative stuffs for self expression. Albeit their differences, both managed to get along well, learning from each other and respecting each other’s quirks and foibles.

All good things however, must come to an end. Just when everything seems comfortable, the elder Berry brings news of his departure. It has been a couple of months since he first brought it up with the youngster. Although time has proven to be a good ally, nothing could prepare them, her at least, when the day finally came.

One can just imagine how hard a goodbye it is for the two. They smiled for the cameras, laughed aloud at old jokes, had loads of fun, just like the old times. But when goodbye finally did come, the smiles quickly turned to sorrowful curves, half-smiles - a desperate effort to mask the sadness deep inside. Tears threatened to fall; emotions surged from within. A half-hug, a phone call, a final goodbye. Click! – and then tears….

And that is how the rather sad story ends. The friendship between the two, I believe, will live on despite the distance. Both will surely miss each other but nothing but the best are wished for as they part at this fork of their lives. Only time can tell if they will meet again. In the meantime, life goes on.


SQA Head with ASV: 08-08 (2T5)