From: Harry Styles, member of One Direction, Where We Are Tour, 2014. Instagram account.

It’s been a year since you left us so abruptly and hearing your songs still hurt. I keep waiting for your memory to make me smile instead of making my vision blurry. I keep waiting that the songs you wrote will bring with them a wave of nostalgia instead of grief. However, the lyrics have a new meaning now; I keep connecting to different verses every time I realize that you are missing. Not only were you part of the best boyband in the last 15 years, but you also made a huge impact as a solo artist and left an incredible mark on your fans' hearts for the long run. Never will I forget the rush I felt when hearing “Strip that down” and the pain that “Teardrops” brought. Besides, I can’t just talk about your amazing voice, your acting in music videos deserves some recognition, since it will forever be imprinted in my brain. Thanks for the dance moves, Leroy.

When I read the news, I refused to believe them, I couldn’t believe them... rumors like that are spread all the time, and always end up being fake, why would this one be different? The first feeling that came was denial, because how was it possible that a member from my favorite boyband was gone, and with him any hope that a One Direction reunion would happen, it couldn’t be true. As time passes, I realize that I’m not grieving for you, instead I’m grieving the memory of the little girl that used to watch you sing and dance, clinging to the hope that one day she would be able to see you perform live. Losing you was a slap in the face, because I realize that not only had I grown up, but you had as well.

Watching you sacrifice your childhood into the spotlight, so I could have a memorable one, was the greatest gift you could have given your fans. So, in return, now that you're gone, let me promise you that your memory will be kept alive. Your name will not fade into history just as a member of a famous 2000s boyband, but as the person you were, someone who inspired people with his music and craft. Even though you’re gone now, your music won’t vanish, because music doesn’t fade away, it transcends, it stays, and with it the memories you created. You may be gone, but your music will not be buried with you. The story of your life will be told.

I half-expected that, in the future, the day I heard the news that a member of One Direction had passed away, it would be because one of my kids asked me who that band was and what the big deal was. Nevertheless, I never expected it to happen in school one random October afternoon... I guess it really is crazy just how fast the night changes. I was used to crying because of the gut-wrenching lyrics the “Made in the A.M” album carried since it was the last album One Direction released, but it never crossed my mind that one day I would be crying for you.

When the band was created it was said that little girls were going to love them. And they couldn’t be more right. I know for a fact that your songs will continue to play, whether as a Solo artist or in the band, they will stick around; it would take Infinity for the fans to forget you. Because the little girls that once loved that band are going to teach their little girls to love and appreciate them as well.

I hope that wherever you are right now, you can see just how loved and admired you truly are by the fans. It pains me that I will never have the privilege of watching you perform, doing what you did best: bringing a whole arena to their feet, screaming your songs at the top of their lungs. Although it brings me comfort that you and the fans have a lot of history.

So even though I write this with tears in my eyes, because I just wish you were her with me. Thank you for the amazing memories that I will forever treasure, I grew up with your music, and it will always be a part of me. I like to think that right now you are resting, and that you continue to make music for those you are with now. And as you once said, “The fact that we can sit right here and say goodbye means we’ve already won”. So goodbye Liam, it’s been a pleasure.

With Love,

Every Directioner.

Photo: Getty Images