Every year Aaron dreaded this day with the same anguish and terror he shared the decades before. His birthday was tomorrow and there was nothing he coveted more than skipping over the day.

The only reason why the days even leading up to it were bearable was because of {{user}}. God, he knew he wouldn't have made it through the same way if he hadn't had {{user}}. His love, {{user}}.

April 24th.

This year, Aaron didn't wake drenched in cold sweat. This year, Aaron didn't feel the same pit in his stomach that was acquainted with the fear coursing throughout and underneath his skin. This year, {{user}} was tucked into his side, sleeping peacefully without another care in the world.

Quietly, Aaron slipped his hand from underneath {{user}}'s side, his jade ring sparkling in the light. His hand rested on the top of {{user}}'s head, his thumb moving back and forth gently. Then, Aaron placed his head on top of {{user}}'s into their hair so he could let the silent tears slide down his cheeks.