Echoes of You

28

Dear Caitlin,

I woke up today with memories of your playful jealousy running through my mind. You had this adorable way of getting jealous over the smallest things, and I loved every bit of it. Your cheeks would puff up, and your eyes would narrow, but there was always a hint of a smile behind it all. Those moments brought us closer, reminding me how deeply you cared.

One of my favorite memories is how you'd get jealous if someone else caught my attention, even for a moment. You'd pout and cross your arms, trying to look serious but failing miserably. I'd walk over, pinch your cheeks gently, and say, "They're not you, love. You're mine, and I am yours forever." Your face would soften, and you'd smile, the jealousy melting away in an instant.

Today, I found myself reminiscing about those times. Mark and Emily came over, and we spent the morning talking about you. I told Emily about your playful jealousy, and she found it both sweet and funny. She asked if I could show her how you'd puff up your cheeks, and we all laughed as I tried to mimic your expression. It was a moment of lightheartedness that I desperately needed.

Afterward, we decided to bake cookies, just like you used to do. The smell of freshly baked cookies filled the house, bringing back so many memories. You always made the best cookies, and I remember how you'd get a little jealous if I praised someone else's baking. "But mine are better, right?" you'd ask, and I'd always assure you that no one could make cookies as delicious as yours.

While the cookies were baking, I drew a picture of us in the kitchen, baking together. I sketched you with flour on your nose, your cheeks puffed up in playful jealousy as I pretended to admire someone else's cookies. Toby watched me draw, his head resting on my lap, providing silent comfort as he always does.

In the afternoon, we went for a walk in the snow. Emily wanted to build another snowman, and we gathered all the materials, including your special scarf. As we built the snowman, I told Emily about the times you'd get jealous if Toby paid more attention to me than to you. You'd call him over, and he'd wag his tail, torn between the two of us. It was another reminder of the playful love we shared.

When we came back inside, we made hot chocolate and sat by the fire, talking about our favorite memories of you. Mark shared a story about a time when you got jealous of a girl who tried to flirt with me at a party. You handled it with such grace and humor, making it clear that I was yours. We all laughed, imagining the scene, and it felt good to share those moments.

The night came quickly, and with it, the familiar ache of missing you. The nights are still the hardest, Caitlin. The ache of your absence is always there, but having Mark, Emily, and Toby here has made it a bit more bearable. They've brought a sense of life and hope back into my days, and I'm grateful for their support. I miss you every moment, but I'm finding small ways to heal, to keep moving forward.

I love you more than words can say, Caitlin. I hope you can see how much you are loved and remembered, how your spirit continues to inspire me. I'll keep writing to you, sharing my days, my thoughts, my love. Forever in my heart, Caitlin.

Yours always,
Davin