Llanesca was my first real friend after college. All of my teammates in my first job were at least five years older than me, so when she joined a few months after I did, I felt relieved there was someone my age, finally.
She didn't stay long in that job, and for good reason. She did what she was born to do and became a journalist. But lucky me, she has stayed in my life ever since.
We agree on so many things – from food to music to our core beliefs. But we're also not afraid to challenge each other or call out shortcomings, and a little pettiness every now and then.
Llanesca is the best daughter one could ask for. When we talk about her parents, I usually just sit in front of her, in awe of how much she has done to make sure her parents are comfortable. When she talks about them, and writes about them, no one can deny it comes from a place of love and pride.
She's also the kind of sister you'd want on your side no matter what season or chapter you're in. She's seen the best and worst of me. From losing jobs, to moving to different cities, to getting my heart broken — and making sure I made it to the other side. She fights for her friends like there's no tomorrow. Her friendship makes me brave, because on the worst days, I know she'll drop everything if I need her.
We've seen parts of the world and our favorite singers together. We both love great food, and even if we've had perhaps one of the best steak experiences Japan has to offer, I'll always remember how we were once in our early 20s, enjoying garlic chicken steak from KFC, on the cusp of a lifetime of sisterhood.