My Dearest Zesty,

Some friendships are written in the stars. Ours was written in a PUBG lobby.

I still remember the first time we met — two strangers, dropped on the same island, somehow ending up in the same squad. We were supposed to be random teammates for one match. One match turned into a hundred. A hundred turned into countless late nights, endless laughs, and a friendship that became the most beautiful part of my life.

You've been my partner, my therapist, my biggest cheerleader, and sometimes my annoying duo who steals my loot. You've celebrated my wins louder than anyone. You've held me through the moments I thought would break me. You've made ordinary days feel like movie scenes — dancing in the kitchen at 2am, screaming at the screen during chicken dinner, crying laughing at the dumbest jokes only we understand.

You are not just my best friend, Talbiya. You are my chosen family. You are the sister my heart chose before blood did. You are the kind of person this world is lucky to have.

As you turn 24, I want you to know — every version of you is loved. The loud you, the quiet you, the silly you, the deep 3am-conversation you, the angry-at-the-game you, the soft you. All of you. Every single piece.

Thank you for being the kind of friend people write movies about. Thank you for the years of chaos, love, and memories I will carry in my chest forever. Thank you for choosing me, just as I chose you.

May 24 be the start of the most magical chapter of your life. May every dream you have find you. May you always know — you are deeply, unconditionally, ridiculously loved.

Forever your duo, partner, and best friend 🤎