10:45

PART 17

The day had come again. Rico was set to leave for a three-day trip for work, and Claudine wasn’t used to the idea of him being away, even if it was just for a short while. They had grown so close over the years that every day spent together felt important, especially now that their bond had deepened.

Claudine stood by the doorway, watching Rico pack his things. She couldn’t help but feel a little sad, even though she knew it was only for a few days.

“You sure you packed everything?” Claudine asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Rico chuckled, closing his bag. “Yes, hunny. You’ve asked me that three times already,” he teased, walking toward her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

Claudine leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. “I’m going to miss you,” she admitted softly.

“I’m going to miss you more,” Rico replied, planting a kiss on her forehead. “But it’s just three days, and I’ll be back before you know it.”

She nodded, feeling a little better, though the idea of him not being there still made her feel off. “Be careful, okay? And don’t forget to eat on time,” she reminded him, sounding more like a concerned mother than a girlfriend.

Rico smiled at her fussing. “I won’t forget, I promise.”

As Rico slung his bag over his shoulder, Claudine caught sight of something he left on the dining table. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing to a stack of envelopes.

Rico glanced at the letters and smiled, as if he had been waiting for her to notice. “Oh, those? Just something I made for you. You’ll have to wait until I’m gone to read them.”

Claudine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Letters?”

“Yep. One for each day I’m gone,” Rico said with a proud smile. “I figured if I can’t be here to talk to you in person, I could at least be here in words.”

Claudine’s heart melted. Rico always knew how to make her feel special, even when he wasn’t physically around. She hugged him tightly one more time before he had to leave.

“Text me when you get there,” she whispered, still holding on to him.

“I will,” Rico replied, kissing her one last time before finally pulling away and heading out the door. “I love you, hunny.”

“I love you too,” Claudine called after him, watching him disappear down the hallway.

After Rico left, the apartment felt quieter. Claudine busied herself with tidying up, but her mind kept drifting back to the letters on the table. She walked over to them and picked up the first one. On the envelope, in Rico’s neat handwriting, was written: “Open this after I leave.”

Smiling to herself, Claudine tore open the envelope. Inside was a handwritten letter, along with a photograph.

Hunny, the letter began. By the time you read this, I’ll already be on the road. But don’t be sad, okay? I’ll be back soon. I just wanted to remind you how much I love you and how lucky I feel to have you in my life. You’ve always been the best part of my days, and I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about the trip.

Claudine’s eyes softened as she continued reading. I left you this picture because out of all the pictures we’ve taken, this one is my favorite.

She looked at the photo enclosed in the letter. It was a candid shot of the two of them sitting by the beach, with Rico holding her hand as they both laughed at something. The sun was setting behind them, casting a golden glow over everything.