I wish I knew where to begin.

Today, I received a Japanese cookbook filled with the most wonderful recipes ever. It came in a kinokuniya plastic bag (thank you). I like the smell of new books and old books and cookbooks and fiction. She said it was meant to be a travel book, but there were far too many on the shelves to choose from – so she combined my love for Jap food and words into one.

(Brilliant!)

I was going to post about how teachable and wonderful she is. About her sweet, commendable mother who calls every midday. About the life she has shared (albeit unknowingly) and the many taboo secrets that we have (along with W) gamely thrown out across the table. But I shall not be sappy.

Instead, I will say this: that she has turned my life around completely. For A has, amongst other things, taught me the wonders of blister plasters. And life will never be the same again with high heels and coloured pumps.

It is the most liberating thing ever.

So there. I have never been very good nor fond of farewells. What I dislike the most: not knowing what the absence will bring until the room returns to quiet. I still have the bottle of olive oil that is standing by the window sill and the new coffee machine hums away.

So thank you A, for new humbling discoveries everyday. I eagerly anticipate your graduation!