WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD ✸ Joel Miller

i. Calm Before The Storm

I.
Calm Before the Storm
✸

SEPTEMBER 26, 2003

THE DAY I DIED WAS ALREADY off to a bad start when my alarm failed to go off. Maybe it was a sign. 

Sarah stood on the opposite side of the door, banging as she shouted the word "alarm" at Joel and I. While Joel rubbed his eyes and turned over, I checked the time. 7:09. "Shit. Get up." 

I slowly rose from the bed with a yawn. I pulled off my shirt and swapped it for the first one hanging on my side of the closet. Then, slid a simple pair of dark-washed jeans over my legs. 

Joel was just then getting out of bed when I made my way over to him with a smile. "Happy birthday." 

My arms wrapped around his waist as he kissed my temple. "And happy birthday to you." 

Some have said that Joel and I were soulmates just because we had the same birthday. Like it was some sort of perfect reasoning for us to be together. 

Today's also our anniversary. We met ten years ago today. Married four years ago. Today.

"So what type of birthday gifts do we get today?" Joel asked me with a small grin, the very grin I fell in love with. The one I've watched fade over the years.

I shrugged at his question. "Sarah's making us pancakes." 

He pulled away from me with a puzzled gaze. "I hate pancakes." 

I nodded. Then beamed. "But I love them." 

He copied my smile and nodded as well. He seemed suddenly okay with having pancakes. "Fine." 

We were both okay with the fact that neither of showed much affection to one another. We were more reserved, and didn't feel the need to show the love we undeniably had off like a bunch of high schoolers. Especially when we've been together for so long. 

The looking away when getting caught staring, the small smiles, when our hands would brush against each other's and it was like the biggest deal. Like we were two pre-teens falling in love for the first time again. 

         "What're you thinking about?" 

I was returned to reality when I heard this question. I look back up at him and shake my head. "Nothing. Let's go. I'm hungry and feeding for two."