Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash

Three simple words were said that night.

It wasn’t the normal verbiage everyone always fawns over. Those words would come later.

These words were “Stick with me.” Just a simple sentence that melted my heart.

You see, I already had feelings for you but wasn’t certain how you felt about me. Yet, when you said “Stick with me,” everything seemed to align.

I had never met anyone like you. Your wit and humor made me smile when all I wanted to do was frown.

Your kindness was present in all actions that you performed; from walking me home late at night; to helping me clean while at work.

You made me feel important and valued my opinion. Something I had not experienced before.

So, I have stuck with you over the years and I can honestly say I’m glad you and I are on this journey together.

— Nicole Barden 10/19/2021

Originally published in Beloved on Medium