For Hannah

Hannah,

Everyone sees that you're beautiful. But what I see goes way past that, and I don't think I tell you enough.

You are the most understanding person I've ever known. You actually try to see things from where I'm standing — not because you have to, but because that's just who you are. And I wonder sometimes if you even know that I notice. I do. Every single time.

You've made me better in ways I didn't know I needed. The health stuff, the fitness, staying on me about my sleep — I act like it's annoying but honestly, nobody in my life has ever cared that specifically about me. That's not a small thing.

And yes — I know I used to tell you to stop buying me things all the time. But I think you've taken a little too long of a break now.

I'm ready for you to resume. Whenever you're ready.

I still think about that night — December 2017. The party at my place in DeKalb. You'd been ignoring my messages for weeks after we first met, and I honestly didn't think you'd show up.

And then you walked in.

I remember going to my room together, I don't even remember what for. I remember talking all night — my friends probably wondering who this new non-Nigerian lady was. I remember the party ending and us still talking. 5 AM came and we were still going.

We've never really been apart since that night.

You know what gets me? After all this time, I still look forward to coming home to you. That never got old. I don't think it ever will.

I don't have a list of things I want to change or fix or ask for. I just want more of this. More time with you, more places to explore, more of the world together.

Maybe one day with our kids running around somewhere warm, wondering how their parents met at a house party in DeKalb, Illinois.

I'm really happy I get to do life with you. Not just today — every day.