Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day had forever been a melancholic occasion for her. While her friends revelled in the blissful entanglements of their relationships, she found herself submerged in a sea of desolation. The day served as a painful reminder of her solitude, amplifying her feelings of loneliness and longing. But this year, to the complete astonishment of her friends, who would typically mock the day's futility, she had a date!

The news of her newfound romantic connection left her friends in disbelief. They were accustomed to her being the perpetual single one, the one who would roll her eyes at the commercialized nature of the holiday. Yet, here she was, breaking free from her usual melancholy and embracing the special day.

However, she chose to keep the identity of her companion a secret. Deep down, she feared that revealing it might somehow cast a spell of misfortune upon her newfound excitement. Perhaps she worried that the universe would conspire against her happiness as if by sharing her joy, she would invite the forces of fate to intervene and snatch away this newfound connection.

Her friends, curious and intrigued, bombarded her with questions. Who was this mysterious person who had captured her heart? What was their story? But she remained tight-lipped, unwilling to risk any potential jinx that might shatter the fragile hope she had nurtured.

As she awoke on Valentine's Day, the air in her room was infused with the delicate scent of lilies. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing that caught her attention was a beautiful bouquet of lilies accompanied by a note that read, "You are more delightful than the fragrance of these fresh lilies." A smile danced upon her lips as she realized that her date knew her preferences better than anyone else. While others might have opted for the predictable roses, he had chosen her favourite flowers, lilies. It was a small gesture, yet it ignited a spark of joy within her.

This was the first Valentine's Day in ages that she had awakened with a genuine sense of happiness. And why shouldn't she? After all, she had a date to anticipate. The thought of spending the day with someone who cared enough to surprise her with her favourite flowers filled her heart with warmth and excitement.

The morning unfolded in a blissful reverie as she revelled in her newfound cheerfulness. She prepared a simple meal for herself, feeling content and at ease. However, as the afternoon waned, she suddenly realized that she had neglected to prepare anything for her date. Traditionally, it was not customary for the woman to shower her date with gifts on Valentine's Day. But she was not one to conform to societal norms.

"Well, after the thoughtful gift he bestowed upon me this morning, I ought to reciprocate," she thought, determined to demonstrate her appreciation.

Without hesitation, she embarked on a journey to the nearest electronics store. She possessed an intimate understanding of his love for music, and she recalled the unfortunate fate that had befallen his earphones. Despite the dent it would create in her pocket, she resolved that a pair of high-quality airpods would serve as the perfect gift. The cost was inconsequential compared to the countless ways he had enriched her life.

With the AirPods in hand, she realized that she still had an abundance of time. Inspired by the sentimental nature of their relationship, she decided to craft a heartfelt letter. Expressing her emotions through words was not her forte, but she was determined to convey her sentiments in a manner that would touch his soul.

With pen in hand, she poured her heart onto the paper, allowing her emotions to flow freely. The ink formed words that expressed her deepest gratitude for his presence in her life, his unwavering support, and the love he had shown her. In each carefully chosen phrase, she thanked him for being her rock, her confidant, and her closest companion.

As she wrote, memories flooded her mind, and she captured them in the letter. The moments they had shared, the laughter that had echoed through their lives and the unbreakable bond they had formed were all woven into the fabric of her words. The letter became a testament to their journey together, a testament to the love, appreciation, and profound sense of connection that had blossomed between them.

Every stroke of the pen carried the weight of her emotions, as she bared her soul on the page. The letter became a vessel for her deepest feelings, a tangible expression of the love that resided within her. It was a gift beyond material value, a gift that held the power to touch his heart and remind him of the depth of their connection.

As the evening approached, the time for their date arrived. He had chosen her favourite restaurant, a cosy establishment owned by a warm-hearted elderly couple. They always reserved the finest dessert exclusively for her, making her feel cherished and special. She adorned herself in her finest attire, opting for a natural look devoid of any makeup. Glancing at her watch, she realized that she would be slightly early, a rarity for her. He was renowned for his punctuality, never a second late for any occasion, while she tended to embrace a more fashionable tardiness. But today, she yearned to surprise him by arriving early, to demonstrate her appreciation for their time together.

With a sense of excitement, she made her way to the restaurant, her steps light and her heart fluttering. As she entered, the familiar warmth of the place enveloped her, and she exchanged warm greetings with the elderly couple who had become like family. They smiled knowingly, aware of the love that blossomed between her and her date.

Taking a seat at their usual table, she glanced at the clock and realized she had indeed arrived earlier than expected. The anticipation grew, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy at the thought of surprising him. She knew he would appreciate the gesture, as he valued punctuality and cherished their time together.

As the minutes ticked by, she savoured the ambience of the restaurant, the soft music playing in the background, and the tantalizing aroma of the delicious food being prepared. She felt a sense of gratitude for the moments they had shared in this very place, the laughter, the heartfelt conversations, and the connection they had forged.

Finally, she saw him approaching, his eyes lighting up as he spotted her sitting there, waiting. The surprise on his face was priceless, a mixture of delight and curiosity. She couldn't help but smile as she got up to greet him.

"Hello, my darling!" he greeted.

"Hi, Dad!" she exclaimed as she hugged him.