The kind of scene that makes you cry

It was almost midnight. I had just gotten back from work, and we were talking about what we’d do the next day for my birthday. You had picked me up and taken me home. We had dinner together.

My family was already asleep, and we stood at my front door, still talking—as if we hadn’t said enough already. You don’t usually stay that late, but that night it felt right. Tomorrow was my birthday.

The cold September wind wrapped around us, and the street was still wet from the rain. Then suddenly, you hugged me. You held me tight and whispered, “Happy birthday” in my ear, and I just stayed there, caught in your arms. I was so happy. I hugged you back without even thinking.

We kissed goodnight like we always did—a small, familiar peck on the lips. Then you got into your car and drove away. I stayed there a little longer under the starry sky, not fully realizing how happy I was.

Those are the memories that still run rampant through my mind from time to time. If it were a movie, it would be the kind of scene that makes you cry.