Hi Ahmed, I am sorry you can’t read this tonight but I am writing it anyway because I am planning to bring this letter to you in a couple of days, hopefully. The other reason to write this is because I want you to know how I, and many others, feel about you. Only one year ago you were sitting at my table, sharing Christmas dinner and some presents with my family. It was not the first time you met my family, because we have been friends for so long and I have so many good memories. I remember during the world cup when you and my dad were the only ones in the pub supporting Algeria against Germany. I was so proud of you two supporting the underdog. I remember the many times we shared the football pitches, when your clever moves were dictating my through balls. We had such a great alchemy when playing together. I was there when your knee twisted awkwardly and went all funny for months and you had to have an operation to fix it. I remember your favourite stand up comedies, your sense of humour and your smile, as well as your love for CounterStrike and your youtube Apple products reviews. I remember the many coffees we had in Sheffield’s finest cafes: Steam Yard, Ink and Water, Upshot. We worked and discussed about our research and worked some more. I remember the dinners we had while watching football games, especially El Clasico (it pains me to have to tell you Barca won yesterday’s one 3-0 and dominated.. ugh). I remember last time I hugged you the night before I left Sheffield. You’ve always been there for me when I needed to discuss about my problems and I’ve tried to be there for you when your much bigger problems came about. I can only wish I’ve been a fraction as good a friend as you’ve been to me. But times have changed and drastically so. This time I can’t stop thinking about my friend who is far away in a place where he does not belong, spending Christmas eve alone. You do not deserve this in any way, no one does but in particular you have always been the kindest. Testimony to my words the 6000+ signatures and the hosts of friends sending you their best through me. You really made a difference in people’s lives. I cannot say happy holidays as I did before but as before I can say I love you. Keep holding on. Alvin