The Empty Seat at Closing Time

Every night as I lock up the bar, there's an empty seat by the window that always makes me pause. It belonged to my best friend since high school who moved away last year for a better job opportunity. We used to joke about how this spot would be his forever home one day. Now it just reminds me of what I'm missing out on and how much I miss having someone around to share the quiet nights with. Anyone else ever lose a close friend like this? How do you stay connected when distance gets in the way?