10:45

PART 14

It was a beautiful March day in 1999, and Claudine couldn’t believe it had already been two years since she and Rico officially became a couple. The memories of their journey together played like a movie in her head. From the moment they first met, to their growing friendship, and now, celebrating their second anniversary as a couple, everything felt surreal.

Rico had planned something special for the day. As they sat together in a small café, Claudine couldn’t help but smile. The atmosphere was cozy, and the warmth of the place made everything feel perfect.

“I can’t believe it’s been two years,” Rico said, reaching across the table to hold Claudine’s hand. His eyes sparkled with sincerity and joy as he looked at her. “You’ve been my hunny for two whole years.”

Claudine giggled, her heart fluttering at the sound of his words. “I can’t believe it either. It feels like just yesterday we were awkwardly bumping into each other at the bar,” she replied with a soft laugh.

“Yeah, I remember that day like it was yesterday,” Rico grinned, recalling how it all started. “I never thought that clumsy moment would lead to this—to us.”

Claudine smiled at the memory too. “Neither did I. But I’m so glad it did. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

As they sipped their drinks, Rico reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small envelope. He handed it to Claudine with a shy smile. “Here, I wrote you something,” he said softly.

Claudine’s eyes lit up as she took the envelope. “You wrote me a letter?”

“Of course,” Rico said. “I know how much you love getting letters.”

Claudine carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the paper inside. Her heart raced as she began to read Rico’s familiar handwriting:

Dear Clau,

It’s been two amazing years with you, and I still feel like the luckiest guy in the world. From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. You bring so much joy and laughter into my life, and I can’t imagine my days without you by my side. Every moment with you feels like a gift, and I’m grateful for every smile, every hug, and every conversation we’ve shared.

I love you more than words can say. Thank you for being my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life. Here’s to many more years together.

Love, Rico

Claudine felt tears well up in her eyes as she finished reading. She looked up at Rico, her heart swelling with love. “This is beautiful, Rico. Thank you.”

Rico smiled, leaning across the table to wipe away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. “I meant every word.”

Claudine reached into her own bag and pulled out a letter she had written for him. “Well, I wrote you something too,” she said, handing him the envelope with a shy grin.

Rico took the letter, his excitement clear as he quickly opened it. He began to read:

Dear Rico,

Happy 2nd anniversary! I still can’t believe we’ve been together for two years now. It feels like time has flown by, but at the same time, it feels like we’ve known each other forever. You’re more than just my boyfriend; you’re my best friend, my safe place, and the person who makes me laugh even on the hardest days.

Every day with you feels like an adventure, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for always being there, for all the love and care you’ve shown me. I can’t wait to make more memories with you, and I know that no matter what happens, we’ll always have each other.