A Map of Stars

For Alaric, on your birthday. From Jude.

A few things
I don’t say enough.

Good days

Even when we’ve got nothing planned, I’m always glad we hung out.

Still here

Life gets busy. I’m glad we still make time for each other.

One of the good ones

You make it easy to be myself. I don’t say that enough.

Long conversations

We can talk about absolutely nothing for ages. I hope we never get too busy for that.

Open Jude’s wishes

Stay strong.
Hope this year treats you well. Get some sleep, take care of yourself, and slow down when you need to.
Keep your peace.
Less unnecessary noise. More days that feel like your own.
Keep the right ones close.
Hope life brings you more people who have your back. The kind who show up when it matters.

Happy birthday, man. I hope this year gives you more reasons to feel good about where you're headed, and enough time to enjoy where you are.

I'm glad I get to call you my best friend. Here's to more conversations that go nowhere, plans that actually happen, and days we'll talk about later.

And on the less easy days, you don't need a good opening line. Just text me. I'm in your corner.

Same team, always.Jude

Another year. Same team.

Glad I get to call you my best friend.
— Jude