My new life began almost exactly a year ago. On Oct. 29, 2021, everything changed for me. When I learned you had been given a ticket to the football game at the last minute, I can’t tell you how relieved I was. All afternoon, I was steeling myself for what I wanted to happen that night. I knew if I wanted to turn the relationship from friends into something special, it was that night.

Everything turned out perfect—except the game. We lost in a blowout, but at that point, it didn’t matter to me. I’m usually always laser-focused on the game I’m watching if I’m there in person, but your presence made things different. With my arm around you, nobody near us, and the relationship that was sure to follow, I just couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my Friday night.

Now, here we are. A year later, still together. We’ve certainly had our ups and downs, but nothing beats the 365 days I’ve had. You’ve changed me for the better in so many ways, and I can’t even begin to list everything you’ve done for me. When we first got together a year ago, my life was a mess. I was terrible socially, had zero confidence, and didn’t feel like a good person. The transformation from last year to now is incredible to see for me, and it’s all thanks to you.

Looking back on our times together, the field trips are the hardest to forget. The trip to Chicago with the music department in December was special for reasons different than the other experiences I’m going to mention for one simple reason: it was the first. It was the first full day we’d spent together, my first time meeting your dad; it was the first everything for our relationship. The bus rides were eventful, though not in the best way possible, they definitely could’ve been worse. Every time our hands joined during that trip, it felt as though my heart would beat out of my chest. It was exhilarating.

And where do I even begin with the Cedar Point trip? To go along with the fact that exams were coming up and I had to be prepared, I was struggling to figure out how I could get the groupings to work. After that was figured out, however, nothing could’ve been better. Our day at the amusement park was terrific despite the ride issues—I’m never getting you on the Corkscrew again—but the bus rides were both exceptional. I remember the ending of that trip by imagining your head back on my shoulder, us both tired and smiling. I’d give anything to go back to that day.

Lastly, our date in late July. The Whitecaps tickets took a lot out of my wallet, but it was all worth it. To see you after our month-and-a-half apart, just being with you made that day the best of the summer. We only spent a few hours together, but after 50 days apart, that was more than enough. To see your face again made my day, my week, and maybe even my summer. The game wasn’t that good, but I could not have cared less. Our time together could not have been better. Everything was amazing. Being with you, bringing our relationship full circle with my arm around you, kissing your cheek; all of my emotions just came together for that day. Another memory that I’d give my soul to relive.

You’ve been the center of my universe for a trip around the sun. You’re perfect. From your beauty to your attitude to your smile, nobody makes me happier than you. I miss you when we’re apart. I can’t believe we’ve spent a year together. Time flies when you’re having fun, I guess. Thanks for all the memories. I hope there will be plenty more made going forward. You’re the best, Lili Townes. Keep being yourself.