Kamau and Lily had been dating for less than a year. It was their first Valentine’s Day celebration together. They were both looking forward to the day. Kamau searched frantically for the perfect gift in the weeks leading up to the day. Lily was also on the same quest.
The signs were there early in the day, but both assumed it would get better. Kamau suggested they meet up a bit later, around nine o’clock in the evening. Lily thought it was late and wanted them to meet earlier. Then, later, Kamau sent her a location pin, which also infuriated her.
Kamau looked excited to see her, but he could tell she was infuriated. He tried to save the fight for later in the night after their dinner. Lily had the same idea, so they enjoyed the dinner. They shared a love for food, so talking and enjoying their meal wasn’t hard. It also helped that there was a lot of activity, and they had plenty of commentary.
Once they were done, they went to Kamau’s car. They decided to go back to his place, but on the way, he made a stop and picked up some stuff while Lily was left in the car. She could see lots of food shopping, so she didn’t feel the need to ask what he had gone to get.
When they got to Kamau’s place, everything was going well until he mentioned that he was going out with his friends the following day.
“Great! Less time with you,” said Lily.
“We have spent tonight together,” said Kamau.
“First of all, you’re on leave, and you didn’t have any other activities planned for the day. I don’t understand why we had to meet that late,” Lily said.
“It was just three hours later than what you had suggested. It’s not a big deal,” said Kamau.
“We hardly spend enough time with our schedules. I would think this would have been a good opportunity to do it,” said Lily.
“I am enjoying myself, and I think you’ll love what I got you,” said Kamau. He kissed her forehead and then went to another room to retrieve her gift.
Kamau came back with a well-wrapped box. He had gotten her a new phone. She had been talking about it after it was released, so Kamau took the opportunity to surprise her with it. Lily also gave him her gift. It was an ensemble of working-out accessories and shoes that Kamau needed to start his fitness journey.
After exchanging gifts, they decided to watch something. Kamau brought out Lily’s favourite ice cream.
“Is this what you had stopped to get on our way here?” Lily asked him.
“Yes, among other things,” said Kamau.
“That’s really thoughtful. Thank you,” said Lily.
“Why do I feel like you’re more grateful about the ice cream than the phone?” Kamau asked Lily.
“The little things and spending time with you really make me happy, but I also appreciate the phone, said Lily.
“I don’t get it,” said Kamau. He changed his position and pulled away from Lily.
“Would it have been enough if I hadn’t gotten you the phone?” Kamau asked.
“Truthfully, I mostly wanted to spend time with you. Your job is demanding; even if it wasn’t, I want to do things with you. The fancy things and the mundane ones, too,” said Lily.
“I spent weeks trying to make sure the phone got here on time, not to mention the resources involved,” said Kamau.
“I didn’t ask for the phone,” snapped Lily.
Kamau got angry and went to bed. Lily stayed behind for a while before joining him.
“Hey, are you asleep?” Lily asked.
“Not yet,” said Kamau.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. I truly appreciate it,” said Lily.
“It meant a lot to me that I could get you an expensive gift. Honestly, I had several fights in my previous relationships about being unable to do such things,” Kamau told Lily.
“I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I love the phone, but I feel like everyone in my life, from my parents to past partners, has thrown gifts at me when all I wanted was to spend time with them,” said Lily.
Kamau hugged her tightly. She soaked in his scent and held him even tighter.
“I’m not trying to replace my presence with gifts, babe,” said Kamau.
“I now know why this mattered that much to you, too,” said Lily.
Lily was surprised to find Kamau in the house the following morning, unprepared.
“Morning. Weren’t you supposed to meet your friends? Why aren’t you ready?” Lily asked.
“I’m not going,” said Kamau.
“Why? What happened?” Lily asked, genuinely concerned.
“A pretty lady somewhere wants my company,” said Kamau and kissed her.
They spent the rest of the weekend catching up and deepening their relationship by spending quality time together. They remained committed to balancing how they showed and received love from each other.
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