💌 #3 The Promise of January

As far back as I can remember, January has always been no different from any other month. Nowadays, though, I sense a change. This is truly unique. Every time I consider the promise it holds, my heart races. After weeks of communicating by phone, text, and screen, we will finally meet in person in January. From the moment he said, "I want to see you in person," I had eagerly anticipated this month.

Since then, I have felt a subtle thrill building within me daily. Thinking about the potential of seeing him standing before me makes me smile unexpectedly sometimes. I picture his smiling face, the sound of his voice when we're not on the phone, and the sensation of finally being in the same room after all this time apart. As if I were in the middle of a dream, the sensation of unreality persists.

"January will come soon," he says without fail. Personally, I've found some solace in those remarks. I keep that vow in mind if I am feeling particularly lonely or when the distance seems particularly heavy. Soon, January will arrive. It feels like a beacon of hope at the end of this seemingly endless journey. When the days grow dull, I have something to cling on to because of it.

When we do finally meet, we usually plan what to do. Simple activities like going for a stroll or meeting for a cup of coffee in a peaceful area are sometimes on our agenda. On other occasions, we only discuss our reactions when we ultimately meet. He thinks he'll be too thrilled to talk at first, so he'll likely just grin and keep quiet. I usually warn him that I might get emotional, not because I'm sad, but because tears are a funny way for happiness to escape.

On sometimes, I find myself wondering what the actual experience will be like. How will things feel then compared to how they are now? Is it going to seem strange at first, or will it soon become second nature, as if we've known one other for years? I have faith it will feel good on a deep level. Honesty, patience, and concern are the building blocks of our relationship. Even if the barrier between us were to dissolve, I believe those things would remain.

On occasion, waiting could be a real pain. As if time were deliberately creeping at a snail's pace, there are days when January seems like an eternity away. As I eagerly await the day that I will finally see him, I can't help but count down the days on the calendar. On occasion, when I close my eyes at night, I am able to vividly imagine it. When we first meet, our expressions will be pure joy and the world will temporarily recede. It gets my blood pumping just thinking about it.

He assures me time and time again that seeing him in person will solidify everything. Yes, I think so too. Still, it has an air of veracity about it. Something solid and genuine has been built upon every late-night call, every message we have exchanged, and every little promise we have made. Our January meeting is just the beginning of our journey together. Nothing more than the following chapter.

The lessons of hope and patience that I have learned on this trip are the things I cherish the most. Although being apart has put us to the test, it has also strengthened our bond. Things like communicating, trusting one another, and having faith in something we can't see or feel have been taught to us. I am eternally thankful for that uncommon form of affection.

Now, as January draws near, I cling tenaciously to that vow. One thing it has taught me is that physical touch is not necessary for love to blossom. There are instances when it starts with words, then spreads through screens, and finally strengthens when separated. It has been worth every moment of anticipation, and then some, till the day we finally meet in person. January has become more than a mere month. Here is a commitment. Ever since that initial "Hi" on November 30th, I have been eagerly anticipating this moment. And I am confident that it will be the most exquisite beginning to date when it comes.