Words we wanted to keep

I have known you since we were too young to know anything, least of all what you would become to me. For years I called you my best friend and meant it completely — and somehow, without either of us noticing, that word grew too small.

Thank you for being patient with a heart that took the long way home. Thank you for laughing at my worst jokes and staying for the quiet parts. Whatever comes, I want to meet all of it with you beside me.

Every day I get to choose you. Every day I do.

You were my friend before you were my favourite person, which means you knew me at my most unguarded and decided to love me anyway. Do you know how rare that is? To be truly seen, and chosen, and never asked to be anyone smaller.

I used to think love was supposed to arrive like lightning. Ours came in more quietly — in a thousand ordinary conversations, until one day I couldn’t imagine a single day without you in it.

So here it is, in writing, forever: I’m yours. Thank you for coming home to me.