Pepe Road

Magelang
56411 Central Java

21st January 2023

My dearest friend, Cylla

Hi!
It’s been such a long time since I’ve written you a letter. I’m sorry I haven’t
checked up on you for a while. I hope you are doing just fine.

The reason why I haven’t reached out to you is that I’ve been so busy with the
mid-semester exams. Well, you know it’s my first year here and I’m still adapting to
everything. I’ve never been far from my parents, and now, here I am, 2.000 miles from
home, struggling to balance school and life outside of it. I kind of regretted what I said a
long time ago when I told you that I’m so eager to live alone without my parents.
There’s a really big difference between being at home and living abroad. I need to
be able to fulfill all of my needs without anyone’s help here. There’s really no one to rely
on. I do have friends, though. But, it’s so different when they’re not a part of the family.
Meanwhile, at home, everything is already given to my hands. I just have to ask Mom and
Dad and they will provide everything. This is one of the big things that I really have to
get used to.
But, it’s fun to have such a big change in your life. Every day, I learn something
new. Yesterday, I found out that the best way to dry clothes without a washing machine
overnight is by hanging them to a window. It works perfectly. We never use this method
at home because there’s always a washing machine available and Mom always washes
the clothes a few days before it has to be used. I forgot to wash the uniform that I have to
wear tomorrow so I washed it late at night and left it hanging by the window overnight.
And, voila, I’m wearing it today. Not to mention that today I found the best Mac n Cheese
recipe with the littlest ingredients. Living abroad really encourages everyone to be
creative. I heard from my friends that they felt the same way, too.
Oh, Cylla, I heard that you have moved to London. My mom told me that you
started moving out last week. Finally, huh? I’m so glad that you made it, reaching your
childhood dream. Don’t be scared, okay? I know that there are a lot of worries in your
head. It’s normal, it’s fine. Just, never turn back and seize every opportunity. You’ll do
very well, I know you can do it. There will be lots of emotions happening in a day every
day, but I know you can control yourself and thrive in London.

Good luck in London, Cylla! Don’t forget to tell me everything, alright?

With love,
Chiquita