Dear Sanmort,

Dear Sanmort,

I am so thankful to have met you during my time here in Cambodia, you have been the best roommate and counter part I could have ever asked for. Not only have you been a friend to me, you have treated me like family.

I remember meeting you, now knowing that you were too scared to talk to me, wondering if we would ever get past the language barrier and become friends. After a few days, we were saying good morning and goodnight to each other. Fast forward 3 months, we’re having conversations at night and laughing all the time. Although I have struggled here in Cambodia, you have helped me through and now I don’t want to leave because I can’t imagine not seeing you every day.

Every time I see even the tiniest bug, you’ll be right there to grab it for me. I loved that night where a huge dragonfly came into our room and I was screaming and running around the room like a crazy person whilst you were laughing at me and trying to catch it. They say that insects are more scared of you than you are of them, although I really think I was more scared of the dragonfly than he was of me in this circumstance.

When I go to bed and find that I have lots of bites on my legs, you always come over and put the cream on them for me, pointing and saying “that one”, “that one”, then proceed to tuck my net in tight so nothing else could get me. I remember when I was in hospital, and you would message me all the time saying you missed me and wanted me to come home, and home felt like home when you were there.

One of my favourite moments was when we got Kheeang to tell you that I had been sent back to the UK. That bit wasn’t fun. However, when I jumped out from behind the mattress and surprised you, we had the biggest hug and I could really feel the friendship and bond that we had made.

Our English and Khmer lessons in the bedroom are some of my favourite memories. We taught each other how to say “I need to poo” in both languages in case there was a moment again where I could not wait for the toilet! You found this hilarious and still, to this day, tell me “I need to poo” or laugh when I say “K’hom cho choo ach”. You are always smiling and laughing and I aim to be as happy as you in life.

I will always protect you at all costs. Even from little things like Will trying to flirt with you! I will still always step in and shout “stop flirting with my counterpart”! And I will always tell you that I love you, like we do every day.

To me, you are the most dedicated and sweetest person in the world. You are always missing socials to go to university, and never ever complain about it. You have taught me how to be happy.

Thank you for the friendship bracelets, scarfs and all the love.

Anyway, I’m at the airport now and I wish you were here with me. You will always be my little gremlin, since day one. I love you. Thank you for everything. I hope I will see you again.