Jaro

 I was lonely and I felt I had no one to talk to. I busied myself with reading, cooking, eating... but I still needed someone to talk to or succumb to the darkness. I remembered in University, as a student, I used to go online onto Alamak to 'chat' / talk to others... I went by the name 'City3'. So I went on it and started talking. I stayed for a bit - few days but people were not interested in talking. 

I visited few other sites and they were similar. People - men and women, were similar. They were seeking companionship - but most used an approach that was unsuitable for me. I like to keep the chat clean and just evoke conversation what ever it might be, Even learn new things if they were willing to share and not give up on my shallow knowledge. I met few people along the way - some I spoke with for awhile, but one I kept for the longest time. 

Could it be 2014/2015 - I started talking to Jaro. He is from Slovakia. Our conversation started heatedly - about religion. To be specific, about Islam. He had a lot of questions that I was able to answer but what made it difficult was he wanted reasons - some I knew of... but others, I had to do some research and ask family / ustaz. 

I 'kept' Jaro (We kept each other really) because he was intriguing. The conversation, though heated, was in good spirit. We were really conversing - respectfully, I might add. I remembered the conversations went on for few months - eight I think. and it was every other day. It was really fun. It kept me on my toes and investigate my faith even more, which was all good. It was something I always looked forward to. 

Our conversations are often written / typed. Occasionally, we exchange audio files when we are unable to text e.g. driving. Rarely, we video call - its been a handful, though. We should really do that more often, so we can see the surroundings, but its just difficult to balance with the difference in time. Now, our conversation varies - we talk about music, current events, work, family, weather, gardening, cooking etc. Its different but still intriguing. 

I cannot remember exactly how but we moved from the chat platform to WhatsApp - and we spoke almost everyday. The most we have not spoken to each other is 10 - 14 days at a time.  Either one often checks on the other if we have not said anything. I dare say, we have a good friendship going. 

The last time he disappeared' and did not reply to my messages, he got me extremely worried. and rightly so - he was admitted in the hospital! He even had surgery! He was in ICU for few days!!! Though he was fine and it was only for observation, I was really worried for a friend I have never laid my eyes on. 

How would I describe him... well... 

• Brainiac -  Its self-explanatory if you know him. 
• Loving - He prioritizes his family despite a busy schedule especially when they come visiting. He talks highly of his mum. 
• Adventurer - Often travelling for work, but it also feeds his need to explore and see the world. Going for walks and seeing nature is something he enjoys to destress. 
• Chatty - Apparently chatty only to certain few, I appreciate that he enjoys my company and finds me safe to talk to. Its easy and free to express ourselves without judgement though conversations were challenging and provoking. 
• Safe - 7 years and counting this friendship is flourishing. Definitely a keeper. 

Back in 2019-2020, I was in UK for 3 months. We talked about visiting each other, but I couldn't. I was there for a reason and felt bad to go off gallivanting, but it was tempting. Jaro was in the Philippines for business - so near, yet I was unable to fly and meet. One day - hopefully, we get the opportunity to meet each other. It would be so much fun. One day...