Stay strong, brother. Like you, I've been on the "Zayne Train" since I first heard One Direction's sound. It was a revelation to my ears, and I found that his voice - delivered in those rich, lucious harmonies, oh my - really was the cornerstone of the entire enterprise. Immediately, I could pick out his contributions, which showed such a depth of personality that I felt a strong kindred relationship. Like two souls split at birth.
This has been hard for me. Really hard. I've experienced a lot in my life. Love, loss, all of it. I didn't think having my favorite band lose my favorite member would have an effect quite reaching that level, but it has. It might sound silly, but there was a fairly dark period of my life not long ago where I'd just watch videos of him and... I don't know, it made me feel like I had a friend. I went to the theaters to watch their tour movie in 3D and I had to drive to a few towns away just so I wouldn't run into anyone I knew. But, being in such a dark place, it made me feel like... like things were going to be alright.
I'd been wanting to see them live, but things just haven't worked out. With this news, I'm not sure that I can anymore. I'm just too hurt. I don't even think I can keep the poster of 1D up in my bedroom (and you wouldn't believe the fight it was to convince my wife to put it up in the first place).
It kinda feels like I'm back in that same dark place again, but instead of Zayne, there's just... nothing. Emptiness. All I can do now is listen to the old records, and hope that he'll come to his senses. And make me whole again.