Thomas remembered everything. My exams, my mother’s birthday, how I hated raisins in cookies. When my father lost his job, Thomas quietly delivered groceries and said his aunt had bought too much.
His aunt lived in another state.
Everyone expected us to marry after graduation. We expected it too.
During our second year together, Thomas finished college, joined the military, and began training as a pilot. We kept our relationship going through letters and whatever time we could steal together.
« I’ll get you a proper engagement ring when I get back, » he told me.
« Will you do the proposal properly, too? You already asked me badly about six times. »
« Practice makes perfect. »
The night before he deployed, we sat on my parents’ porch until the lights went out inside.
He pressed his forehead against mine.
« Don’t let me become some sad story you tell when you’re old. »
