Dear my favourite girl ♡, 

Sometimes I look up at the sky and wonder if the stars shine as brightly where you are. I haven't been the best I could possibly be but I did tell myself that for you, my best could only be the standard if I am to belong in this world with you. I know how at twenty-four, just being alive for a little over two decades, nothing quite feels right. Because the world keeps going on whether we're ready for it or not, the people around us drift into some abyss we can't follow and we wonder if for even a second there's anything in this world that isn't temporary.

I can't promise you forever - I would do it a thousand times over if it was in my power. But I can promise you that I will never regret meeting and cherishing you. Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I wholeheartedly reassure you that your imperfections will never place you beneath anyone else, that everything you feel is normal and your sensitivities even endearing. Against all personal logic, I could only find myself gravitating towards the way you opened your heart to me - the way I've always struggled to do. I hope you know how much your existence has impacted me despite being oceans away, for just basking in the idea of you somewhere in this world having so much love and softness in your heart has given me some renewed zest for this life.

Wherever you are, I hope you'll never forget that someone is thinking of you. Hoping the sky above you can always be graced with your smile, and the people around you shower you in the endless compassion you deserve. If I had to list out all my birthday wishes for you, this letter of mine would never end for there would be pages upon pages of desiring everything that would fill your life with such overwhelming happiness that you would struggle to remember a time in your life when you had felt anything but joy.

But if I had to list one very important thing that I want you to remember, it would be that I hope you will find eternal happiness and love in your wonderful self. I know at times you've found it difficult to see yourself the way I (and many others) see you - with utter awe and adoration - but that will never detract from the love we have for you.

Everyday presents so many new reasons to fall in love with you one can so easily forget what the initial spark even was. The way your feelings melt into your words, painting a universe of overflowing affection and fantasy? Your quick wit and unique charm? Your gentle heart that compels you to comfort and rally support for even vulnerable strangers? 

In this world full of cynics and dishonest people, your gentle soul is not one to be ashamed of or spiteful towards. It is not perfect, that is okay, because every small pitfall you experience only serves to strengthen it without stripping away its softness. You are one of the few I know that understand your own feelings, acknowledge them, and let them flow into your words and softly touch those around you. You are one of the few I can (and will) cherish now and for as long as I breathe. You are important, always and forever. Because when I call you perfect, I don't mean in the conventional sense that you lack imperfections, but in that your imperfections do not define or overshadow who you are. My wonderful Noris, my beautiful wife, my love and the greatest gift. 

Happiest Birthday, I love you with all my heart, my darling. 

~ Mel