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Once in a while I think about Yohei. The only kid who was nice to me in 5th grade. I had moved, the last year before middle school. We clicked to the point of best friendship, then his family moved back to Japan. Lost the yearbook. I only retain his face and first name.
I've always wanted for a way to look him up. Not to rekindle or anything. Just to thank him for being the one person who was kind to the new kid in one of his roughest, most displaced years.
The day before he left, he gave me a holographic, Japanese Onyx card (bear in mind this is a few years before Pokemon became a thing in the states). I didn't care what it was, I treasured it. But. Hold fast. Guess what. I lost that too.
It was a few years after that when I realized Pocket Monsters and this new Pokemon craze were one in the same. I thought of him and cherished the card even more. Because, spoiler, middle school wasn't any more kind to me. And the thought of a friend was nice.
But no matter how hard shit got after that. It didn't matter. I always had the memory of a deep friendship. One that transcended language (he spoke English, just not as well as a 5th grader would expect) and just revolved around enjoyment of each other's company.
Anyway. It's weird to remember one random year of your childhood, but I always will.
If you're a Yohei who moved back to Japan after 5th grade in Washington state, and you randomly come across this thread. You don't even have to say anything. Just know you're appreciated.
If you're a Yohei who moved back to Japan after 5th grade in Washington state, and you randomly come across this thread. You don't even have to say anything. Just know you're appreciated.
