There is nothing more comforting than to truly be known and loved.

Sitting here, watching embers dance into the night with my closest friends, I realize how grateful I am for each one of them. These are the people who have seen every angle of me- have shined their light on my every facet, fractalizing themselves throughout my life.

The one on my left- kind, gentle, and true. She loves with a passion I have never seen or known until encountering her. With her I am seen, and yet still safe. I need not open myself to vulnerability, because she can already see in.

To my right, sits the one most detail-oriented, precise, and methodical. One might think these traits make him difficult to connect with, but there is nothing more subtly sweet than to be known by someone who pays attention to your detail and recognizes all the patterns within you, even the ones you do not declare.

Across from me sits one filled with laughter, joy, and a spark for life. Though I could not be more different in some ways, we seem to flow like parallel lines. Balanced, on the same page, ever flowing forward.

Behind me is the friend most like myself. A multi-faceted picture of the duality of man. The strong, silent type who loves fiercely and lets completely loose around his loved ones.

Shadows created by the fire dance across their faces, changing my view as things often do. I examine each one in the warmth of light, and appreciate each detail of them.

As I sit and ponder my dearest friends, I realize. We are nothing more than simply a reflection of the ones we love the most.