This past month, I have found myself in one of those transitional periods of life where suddenly everything is changing and I have barely any control over it. What these "transition phases" usually entail are a lot of goodbyes, mostly long and sad ones, and I have decided that I am not a fan of these moments.

Throughout my life, I have been a hoarder. One look at my desk, and one would find that out. Over the years, I have held on to old gift wrappers (that weren't even meant for me specifically), old and worn-out books I didn't like, empty cans of candy and a lot of photos. I don't believe in letting things go gracefully, and so I hoard objects, stories and people I hold close to my heart.

I also particularly struggle with hanging up the phone when someone I care about is completely engrossed in the third sub-context anecdote of a long winded story. It is not because I think it is awkward or that I don't know how to cut into the conversation and move on, but simply because each and every story that I hear, I hold close to my heart. Each story gives voice to unique situations and people who may have never had a certain feeling expressed if not for a particular story. Stories shape us, and they allow us to perceive this strange world around us.

Thus, goodbyes have always left a sour taste in my mouth.

This week, we say goodbye to SHOUT. To me, this feels a lot like I am being compelled to hang up a call with a very dear friend, right in the middle of sub-context story number three. As much as I resent not being able to put all the pieces together and enjoy the motions of the complete story, I am grateful for every minute passed building it up.

I gave SHOUT five years of my life, but it gave me all ten years of it. Before being recruited as a contributor and consequently as a sub-editor, I was an avid reader. I have learnt to perceive situations, form opinions, reform opinions based on new information, and learn to place myself in the fabric of society. As far as teachers are considered, SHOUT has been my most trusty mentor. And so, when I had the opportunity to give back to this incredible platform, I poured my heart and soul into being the best version of myself.

Now that I bid adieu to my friend, all I know is it tastes bitter and I wish this was a goodbye I never had to say. However, cliché as it is, goodbyes are inevitable and we must at some point learn to say goodbye to most things we hold dear. What I hope to hold on to, and what I hope you do too, are the issues we have brought forward, the voices this platform has been able to highlight and the emotions we have all been able to share.

One last time: Syeda Afrin Tarannum is a sub-editor at SHOUT. Reach her at afrin.tarannum@thedailystar.net