I love you, and I’ll stay with you. I lose myself watching you smile. I’ll quietly hold you, gently pat your head. I’ll secretly watch you, see what news you’re reading on your phone. I’ll remember what you like to eat, but also slip in a few of my favorites for you to try. I’ll read the books you love, and imagine what you were thinking as you read, and why you thought that way. I want to be close to you—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, even philosophically. I want to understand you. I want to know every part of your inner logic.

I love you. I’ll kiss you—on your forehead, on your belly. I love you. I’ll poke you from behind while you’re in the shower, just to tease you. I love you. Wherever I go, I think of you. Wherever I am, I want to bring you along. I want to see you, all the time. I want to know what you’re doing, what you’re saying, who you’ve seen, and what you’re thinking about.

I’ll make fun of you, and share all the little funny things I find with you. I’ll be as ordinary as breathing, and as thrilling as a movie. I’ll stay with you—until the day laugh lines slowly appear, freckles show up on your face, your hair starts to turn white, your steps grow slower. I’ll be the one in the rocking chair, quietly slipping away, while you hold my hand and tell me where to find you next.