That Shreya lives just down the hall from me means I get to see her in the wee hours of the morning, when the most I’ll do is grunt at her in the bathroom. It means I get to raid her room for milk when mine has gone sour after sitting in the fridge for four weeks.

My first impression of Shreya, when I first met all of the girls in my hall, was that she was one of the more talkative ones, and that the way we made conversation that first day was an indication of how well we might get along.

Has she changed since I’ve known her over these few months? Hell yes. Everytime she wiggles her brow(s) at me I get the giggles, then she gets the giggles, then I’m confused as to whether or not she’s laughing or crying.

One thing I love in a friend is being able to have long, lengthy conversations about anything and everything. So many stories are told and connections made through the phrase, “I totally feel you,” or “I feel that way too!”

And with Shreya, I get to have these. It means recounting a weekend or getting long hugs when we haven’t seen each other for a few days. It means talking about boys and friends and school and life and the future and the past. Everything. It means being able to say what’s on your mind without fear of judgment.

You are comfort and warmth and reassurance and familiarity, right down the hall.

I know we’ve only been in college for a few months, but it feels like I’ve known you for longer. We balance each other out, we know how to talk to one another, and I am so thankful to have you as a friend.

Happy birthday, babe.