An Open Letter to that Little Boy from Bradford: Goodbye, Zayn.

*if you're not a fan of One Direction or Zayn Malik and enjoy judging people for what they like, I suggest you close this page now. Laughing at a fandom's misery won't do you any good. Respect people for what they like. I'm not being shallow, I'm just expressing thoughts. As a writer, I enjoy expressing sentiments in the most dramatic way possible. 


To that Little Boy from Bradford,

I woke up to sad news this morning. You know what it is; everyone in the world knows what it is.

You left the group.

Prior to your announcement, rumors circulated about your decision. The past week was kinda sad already with you ditching the last leg of the Asian tour due to stress. When I read the latest buzz, I was sad, not just for myself or for the fandom, but for you.

I thought: Man, he's having a hard time, huh?

You weren't able to sing for us last Sunday. That was disappointing but I get the reason. Your friends managed to pull it off but somewhere, there was a lack. During the entire time, I just kept thinking: he'll be back. He just needs some time. He'll hit the high notes soon.

Apparently, you wouldn't be hitting the high notes soon. According to the news (and to your band's Facebook page), you've officially signed off the group.

Everyone who loves you and the band was distraught. I opened my Twitter account and the hashtag #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik was trending worldwide. Many fans were shedding tears, creating memorials and expressing their grief at your departure.

Clueless spectators would think you'd already died, based on what the fans are posting. I thought so myself. While reading their posts, I could help but think: is he dead? He just quit. People need to get themselves together. He's not dead.

When I first heard about it, I didn't know how to feel. Part of me expected it, the other wished it didn't happen too soon. My officemates greeted me with sympathetic hugs and 'Are you okay?'s because they knew I'm a big fan of yours. Even my friends sent messages. You'd think someone I loved just died.

Now that I've got my thoughts settled, I know what to say:

Thank you.

Thank you, Little Boy from Bradford.

Like I said, no one wants you to go. Let's be honest: your high notes define some of your songs. Your voice plays a vital role in the band's success. Your mysterious and supposedly innocent charm captured millions. Your evolving hairdo and stunning eyes made us fall in love with you.

Thank you, Zayn.

We're very saddened to see you go. Your bandmates refuse to call themselves One Direction during your absence, preferring to introduce themselves as Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall. Now I wonder how they're going to introduce themselves as One Direction without you.

No doubt they will manage. It will take time but Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall will eventually move on. They will carry on and we will still be there for them.

And we will still be there for you.

It's been 3 years since I first enjoyed your powerful voice. I never considered myself a super fan of One Direction. In fact, the first time I saw you in One Thing, I thought: Wow, he looks so gay. Did they place an Indian in the music video to encourage diversity?

Eventually, I found myself regretting my words when I watched What Makes You Beautiful. You were so...ugh. I can't even explain. Seeing you and the other lads did it for me. I found myself becoming an official Directioner before my 18th birthday.

Admittedly, I play favorites. I became a fan of the band because of you and Harry, but mostly because of you. You were such a good singer I found myself listening to your high notes a lot. Even if you added a stripe of gold to your already perfect hair, I didn't mind.

Zayn Malik is the bomb. And you always will be.

Being a star is tough. You don't get too much privacy, people always hound you with every scandal and basically, you just don't get to live your life normally. That scandal in Thailand must've pushed you to the edge, huh? And now I hear you scrambled back to England to see your girl Perrie.

I have some reservations on what happened but I'm not here to diss you on your decisions. Like I said, I'm here to say thank you. Some people think it's shallow but it's not for me. I really admired your talent and will always do.

Everyone's a wreck now--everyone in the fandom, that is. Even Harry couldn't contain himself. Poor kid, crying on stage in Jakarta (apparently, he wasn't crying. But you know, he tried to make you stay). I feel sorry for your friends. They must be devastated with your departure. I think this image sums it up:

There's still so much I want to say. I know it's weird that I'm writing to you as if I know you. But I do know you, as an avid fan and lover of your talent.

You'll be okay, Zayn. You just need time. It hurts a number but you need the space. You deserve it. I hope you find the peace you've been wanting.

Your song Where Do Broken Hearts Go rings true right now.

Now I'm searching every lonely place

Every corner calling out your name

Trying to find you but I  just don't know

Where do broken hearts go?

Indeed, Little Boy, where do broken hearts go?

Thank you for everything. You've done so much in the last 5 years. I just wish I got to hear you sing. But apparently, I missed the chance. Someday, you'll be back on your feet. You'll be okay, Little Boy. 

We'll all be okay. :)

We'll always be waiting for you--the Little Boy from Bradford who stood at MSG. That Little Boy from Bradford who smashed it.

Love,

The Little Girl From Afar