The best gift

— Mom, hurry up! Hurry up! Daddy is coming! Mom, daddy said he is on the way when you called him! Mom, hurry up! My daughter insisted while pulling my hand trying to take me, tirelessly, to the the living room.
— Flavia! Calm down! Your father wants a good cake, if you don't let me decorate it properly he can get sad! I said and she stopped right away.
— Really? I don't want daddy to be sad on his birthday... She said with teary eyes and I couldn't bother her anymore.
— Oh, my princess, no. The cake is just fine, I almost finish. Also your father will be the happiest with that adorable drawing you did all the day long for him. He is going to be happy to know you helped so much with it. I said smiling and giving her a fast hug because I was running out of time. I came back to the cake and checked on the food so that he'll be suprised with my new recipe.

— Cutie. You said lowly and I woke up slowly but a bit surprised looking the whole room. — Good morning. You said with a little smile like every morning. I didn't use to stayed asleep on a work's day, but having such a dream I don't think I wanted to wake up, not even if I was unconcious.

— What in the world have you done!? I said hysterically opening my eyes and touching my head in dramatic frustration.

— What? You said a bit scared and I couldn't help but think you eyes were beautiful, are beautiful and will always be beautiful... but since we got married they seemed to be brighter, I don't know whether it was my imagination and my elevated ego or if my love was truly making a difference in your life. I frankly can't believe such perfection right in front of me... your hair, your forehead, your eyes, your nose, your lips, even your beard! I wonder if you ever saw me with even half of the admiration I always see you. And every single day by your side is a new miracle. Of course we've had good days and very bad ones, but today had to be a good one yes or yes.
— I was dreaming about our daughter! I swear she was as lovely as you! You can't imagine! She looked like a tiny you! Oh my God! She was gorgeous! Oh my God, you can't imagine! It was your birthday, my love! And we made a cake for you and she was hurrying me up to get everything ready cause you were coming home soon! She looked so excited to see you! I was so happy! You were going to be happy! I said excited and you were already laughing. How could it be possible each time I tell you something important about our future you'd laugh in such way that drives me deeper and deeper in love with you. I just stared at you, thankful to have you right next to me. — I love you, Paolo. Happy anniversary, my sun. I said and gave you your good morning kiss, I couldn't believe it has been three years since we got married. Surely my dream was a gift, but you were the best gift I have ever gotten ever since I met you. Oh, how crazy I was and am for you.

Picture and drawing by Madelaine Bustamante