Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 35

Today was special. It was Raya's birthday, a day she had been looking forward to. Not for the gifts or the party, but for the small, intimate moments that would make her day unforgettable. As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, Jake was already awake, his eyes full of love as he quietly watched Raya sleep beside him. The apartment, which had once felt unfamiliar, was now a place of comfort and warmth, filled with the soft echoes of their laughter, quiet talks, and shared dreams.

Raya stirred, slowly waking up to the soft kisses Jake planted on her forehead. She smiled, stretching as she opened her eyes. "Happy birthday, beautiful," Jake whispered, his voice thick with affection.

"Thank you," she mumbled, her eyes still half-lidded with sleep. "What time is it?"

"Early enough to make breakfast for my favorite person," he teased, already up and walking toward the kitchen.

As he prepared a simple yet heartfelt breakfast—pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee—Raya sat at the table, still in her pajamas, watching him with a warm smile. Their mornings had always been simple, but today felt different, like a moment frozen in time. They had come a long way since their first awkward steps into this relationship, and now, they were a team. She felt so deeply connected to him, and today, as she glanced at the man who had stood by her through everything, her heart swelled with love.

After breakfast, Jake surprised her with a small, meaningful gift—a bracelet with a charm that symbolized a stethoscope, reminding her of her dream to become a doctor. "I know you've been working so hard toward this, Raya," he said, gently placing it on her wrist. "I just wanted you to know how proud I am of you, and how much I believe in you."

Tears welled in Raya's eyes, not out of sadness, but out of pure gratitude. She had never felt so seen, so understood. "Thank you, Jake. You always know exactly what I need," she said softly, her voice breaking with emotion.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter, sweet conversations, and quiet moments. They decided to go for a walk in Central Park, enjoying the crisp air, the vibrant greenery, and the feeling that the world was at peace around them. They talked about their goals, their future, and everything that mattered to them. There was no rush, no pressure—just two people who were content with their shared path.

That evening, as the sun began to set, they had a small celebration with their friends. Jake had planned a surprise dinner for her at a cozy restaurant, one that they had visited during their first month in New York. Raya couldn't help but smile as they were seated at the same table, recalling how nervous they both had been then, unsure of what the future held. Now, sitting here together, everything felt so natural.

As the night went on, they laughed and shared stories with friends. But there was one moment, just the two of them, where time seemed to stand still. As the evening wind carried through the open window, Jake took her hand in his, his voice soft but sincere. "Raya," he said, his eyes holding hers with an intensity she had never seen before. "I know we've had our fair share of challenges, but I want you to know—I'm so grateful for every moment we have together. You're everything to me."

Raya's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. She knew, without a doubt, that he was her person. "I feel the same way," she whispered back. "You make everything feel worth it."

The night ended with them walking back to their apartment, hand in hand, the city lights twinkling like stars above them. They entered the apartment, and as the door closed behind them, they stood there for a moment, just taking it all in—the warmth of the place, the quiet hum of their lives, and the love that filled every corner.