Page 112 of Last Letters to Ara
I smile.
Me: Thank you <3 I miss you. When will you be back?
Theo: Before you know it.
Me: *skeleton gif indicating how long I feel like I’ve waited*
Theo: I’m counting down the seconds.
I still haven’t brought up what he said that night, but it almost feels unnecessary. There is no question about how we feel for each other.
My phone buzzes again, this time it’s from Lou.
Lou: Happy Birthday, Bitch *one thousand emojis*
Me: Haha ilysm.
Lou: Let’s get tipsy tonight. The less we remember about getting older the better.
Me: Couldn’t agree more. Pick me up whenever.
Lou: Anything before 5pm would be cringe.
A moment later…
Lou: I’ll see you at 5:01.
I snort.
Me: See you then.
Looking back to the letter from my dad, I take a deep breath and open it.
Dear Ara,
Happy birthday, my girl.
Twenty-three this year. (I can’t believe it either.)
Just yesterday, I was trying to figure out the right temperature for a bottle and learning how to braid your hair, then suddenly I was teaching you how to ride a bike. Before I knew it, it was your first day of junior high, and I thought I might keel over when I remembered the ages of the boys who would be in your class. Although, nothing was as bad as us sitting in front of the computer weeks later, trying to figure out from YouTube how one uses a tampon.
When you turned eighteen, I somehow managed to keep it together but I spent the entire night looking at your baby pictures, trying to figure out where the time had gone. Then you turned twenty-one. And twenty-two. I never thought it’d be the last birthday I would see.
Whether I’m there to celebrate or not, you deserve something on this very special day. I’ve spent hours researching, trying to find the perfect gift. You’ve never been one for material things such as expensive bags or shiny jewelry, and I didn’t want my gift to you to be as fleeting as a moment.
In the end, I decided to choose something that I hope will give you joy for years to come. Something that makes you feel happy, each time you bring it out. Something, which could possibly imbue your love into whatever you create with it.
I want this letter to be short and sweet. This month is about you. Nothing else.
So, your task this month is to celebrate your life.
Have fun.
I want you to feel as young as you are and appreciate every moment of it.
Happy birthday, Ara.
I miss you with my whole heart.
