Sometimes who we come to know ourselves as is worlds away from that person our family thinks they know. I never believed many who said they loved me, especially in cases where I never gave them all of me to love. I was waiting for them to prove themselves worthy, but too many conditions came with all of the above. This is part one of an intimate conversation with a friend whom I've bonded with through shared assignments, finals, and a teacher who was always late. He showed up for me when I needed him, and that's what I really appreciate!