The sun was rising on the horizon on a breezy day in Cardinal Hill....
Eve thought about using the spare key to get into Linden's place, to set up balloons and jump on their bed as they had for dozens of birthdays when they were on the younger side. But it was set to be a busy Monday morning at The Ceramic Cup and they had already said they would be off the next day so they could celebrate fully with Linden tonight. So they sat the gift box in front of the door, putting a protection charm over it so that no animals or passerby could disturb it. So that it could not be seen by anyone but Linden. They brushed their fingers along the envelope of the card they had attached to the box and smiled. "Happy Birthday, LR."
The Card reads:
To my dearest Linden, on your 40th Birthday, Birthdays can be hard and a bleak reminder of all the life behind us. But what a gift it is to still breathe this air, to still share this earthly plane with you. It often felt like I was wading through the murkiness of life until you came along with your light and your stupid jokes and endless love. I know sometimes we turn our noses up at the sentimental but I want you to know clearly just how dear you are to me. Just how much your friendship has kept me afloat, kept me clear and kept me full of love. That's not easy to do these days, but you, my dear one, have done that for me from the moment we met. You are a gift to this world, a gift to the people who love you. A gift to all of the families you welcome in and tend to. A gift to the animals who get to know both your grit and your gentleness. I know that sometimes the world can feel lonely but I hope you know that I am always with you. I will always hold your hand, I will always crack a beer open with you, I will always, always be in your corner. You are in my heart forever. Sorry to say you're stuck with me. I'll see you soon and I'll bring some Linden's Lunch from the cafe for you this afternoon. I love you. In this life and every other. All my love, Eve
Contents of the gift box:
Twelve Moons by Mary Oliver. One of Eve's favorite poetry books.
Two necklaces meant to be together and power the other. The gold chain is of a linden flower, the other an emerald pendant, the birthstone for May births.
A small bouquet of linden flowers.
Homemade biscoff cookies. Compliments of the Ceramic Cup pasty chefs.
@hearthandhallows