I light a candle and retreat to the couch with my computer. This is now my typical nightly routine. My boyfriend sits by my side, madly typing his latest article or poem. It may seem so simple, so insignificant, but even now, the flickering flame traps my thoughts, reminding me how it all began.
It was almost one year ago. The air was warm, still cooling off from a hot day. I waited outside for his truck to pull up outside my dorm. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I saw the white truck pull into view. As the vehicle stopped, I drew in a deep breath and hopped in. I smiled at him and said hello as I wrapped a seat belt across my waist and clicked it into the buckle. He smiled back and greeted me. The truck pulled forward as he asked how my day went. We chatted back and forth until we arrived at the arena. Though the drive was short, it was long enough to break the ice. The sun had started to descend, filling the sky with warm colors, greeting the darkness. The moon was already visible.
We jumped down from the truck. Some of our friends came to greet us. The bonfire had already been lit. Fire fighters and trucks surrounded the lot. As we walked closer to the flames, they towered above us, ejecting a heat. Different colors danced throughout the fire as more items were added to it. We stood and watched, amazed at how big the fire had grown within the past few minutes.
Down the hill, some students were aggressively beating a car with a wooden baseball bat. We pondered toward that direction. The car had been painted, representing a rivalry school with its colors. Attempting to be spirited, I gave the car a few whacks. After not inflicting any damage, I quickly gave up and let someone else have a turn.
On our way back up the hill, we chatted. The conversation grew more passionate over the course of the night. We began pondering deep philosophical questions, trying to come up with answers for even the most difficult ones.
After the sun had completely disappeared into the earth, the air grew brisk. We gravitated toward the warmth of the fire as time passed on. When the fire had diminished to just embers, we left the lot, grabbing a bite to eat. Then, we gathered with friends to fellowship and watch a movie.
I returned to my dorm at nearly midnight that night, feeling light as a feather. Happy thoughts raced through my head as my heart pounded with excitement.
Though our first date was almost a year ago, I can recall it as though it was yesterday. It was so unique, so memorable.
Many dates proceeded that one, the flickering flames present on each of them. A candle was always lit, reflecting dancing shadows on the walls.
Today we sit on the couch, sometimes discussing our future, sometimes doing schoolwork or sometimes just sitting in silence. Every time I look at the small flame, I remember the memories we created together, and I am reminded of the memories we still have yet to make.
