The coffee machine hisses in the kitchen. I am in my yellow bathrobe with tiny flowers — your favorite. I reach for the blue and white mugs I found at a farmer’s market a couple of months ago and fill them to the brim.
I carry them to the coffee table and gently set them on the ivory coasters. You have made yourself comfortable on the couch. Somehow you make my house seem more like mine.
As soon as I sit down beside you, I feel your warmth — not just your body heat, but your calmness, your wit, your kindness and your quiet strength radiate into me. My face lights up, and I start rambling on about my favorite couple on the dating reality show I have been watching. The corner of your lips turn from a smirk into a full smile as the child inside me comes alive. I notice it.
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Then, softly, you interrupt me with a heartfelt apology. You remind me to check on my friend who has been sick for a long time.
Lately, sickness and grief have lingered too close. You always find a way to lend a shoulder to carry the weight. As you drag the weight off me, I melt further into the couch.
Your favorite song begins to play on the television. I have been slowly weaving songs you cherish into my playlist. We fall into a comfortable silence, letting the lyrics fill the air. My pending tasks are fighting for my attention but somehow I feel present in the moment. As the song begins to fade, you turn to me and ask if I want to spend rest of the weekend at the beach.
The weather is perfect. Summer is soft, warm and bright. We start planning our drive, the snacks and inviting friends. I pull out a blue tote bag and begin filling it with towels, blankets, sunscreen, fruits and water.
We are rushing to pick up our friends when you pause. You’ve noticed something. The coffee on the table. Cold and forgotten.
Quietly albeit quickly you re-heat it and add it into the thermos I carry while driving. Unknowing to you I smile as I lock my front door to continue another adventure with you.
