Nepal, Aug. 17 -- When I first learned about H through a mutual friend, I had a strange intuition that he wouldn't stay in Nepal for long. He seemed like someone just passing through-a fleeting presence. It is only a matter of time, I thought. Our first meeting happened on the quiet streets of Ratna Chowk. After hours of staring at a screen, I had stepped out for a break, craving a change of scenery. That's when I met H. I introduced myself, and he did the same. At the time, the introductions felt like a mere formality, even unnecessary.

Years later, when I reflect on that moment, I feel a deep sadness for H. The confidence with which he said he was planning to go to Australia was sublime. Now I find it amusing to have assumed that the f...