When life gives you lemons, make lemonade out of them, they say. Well, what do you do if life throws rocks at you? Your back will bend while you build a fortress out of it.

Finals week was difficult for you. Like all the previous ones, of course, you always knew that this period was the most stressful for you. The workload of your studies came at you like a swarm of mosquitoes that you couldn't shake off. And even though you were the student who tried to do all the work on time, deadlines still drove you crazy.

"Knock-knock. Time for a break, hon."

You looked up when John came into the bedroom. He was wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt that he had bought at least five years ago. In his hands was a plate with your favorite cookies and cool tea with ice cubes. Exactly what you like.

"I'm older than ya, but we're both adults. I'm 'ere to love ya, not to raise ya," he said at the beginning of your relationship.

Have you ever doubted starting a relationship with a 40-year-old man? Yes. Very much so. John, surprisingly, wasn't worried. It was important to him that you were a person with your own opinions and views on the world. You were an adult. And very attractive, in his opinion.

It took you a moment to notice how you moved in with him in the fourth month of your relationship. His house was closer to your college, and he could drop you off on the way to the base in the morning. You promised John that this is temporary, and you will soon find an apartment or a room to live with someone.

But really? Being next to someone you barely know couldn't be more attractive than with your boyfriend, who now came by to remind you to take a break from studying for the next exam. And, putting snacks and tea on the table, he put his palms on the back of your chair and bent over, kissing the top of your head.

He was here to love you. And God, how he did.