#tomasz

It really does feel like home here. It reminds me of Obokplaży - of the theatre my parents ran. Being able to watch the shows, sometimes from the wings, sometimes from the upper circle. Watching the characters and dancers, the singers and the narrators, it's so familiar.

And with Tomasz beside me, it feels warmer than ever.

But all too soon, the curtains were drawn and the performers gave their bows through our applause.

I didn't want to part ways with him yet, though, and so we decided on one last trip to the promenade by the coast.

The streets were mostly empty, save for a few other patrons of the theatre we just came from, who were also making their way in our direction, probably for a similar reason to us.

The streets were warmly lit against the darkness of the obsidian coloured sky that was littered with diamonds. The closer we got to the sea, every corner we turned, the taste of the salt in the breeze became more pronounced. It was a chilly night for this March night, but it was something we were all used to, and I didn't mind. My long beige coat did the job at keeping the breeze from totally freezing me.

The promenade is where the view becomes spectacular. The high tide made the boats moored in the harbour bob up and down in the waves, the stars and the crescent moon reflecting on the glistening surface of the sea. The infinity of the sea was calming, truly, and the view of the castle just to the south-east, slightly out to sea was the perfect backdrop to the entire view. The lights on the walls and in the windows, it looked like something out of a picture book from here. I wonder, I could take a photo of this and paint a picture of it later. This is so beautiful...

Tomasz beside me inhales deeply as we lean against the metal guardrail. "Oh, I missed this, Słoneczka," he says finally, "I love the city I live in, but this? The salty sea breeze? This is where it's at. And you live here, full time."

I can't help but laugh, "one of the perks of my job, Tomek."

"I'm very jealous," he replies, turning around and leaning back on the railing instead, "have you enjoyed your night with me then?"

I turn around in my place to join him in the same position, looking back at the strip of lights that illuminate the promenade. The restaurants, bars, and handful of shops that have remained open at this time of night are still serving patrons who are out having drinks. The brightness is nice, but the look of the clear sky above is is nicer.

"Of course I have, thank you for accompanying me, sir," I nudge his shoulder lightly, feeling the smile on my lips infect him too.

"You're most welcome, my lady," he returns, bowing his head in an exaggerated fashion, before reaching into the pocket of his coat, "just one more thing."

He hands me a small white box, wrapped in a bright red ribbon.

"Oh, are you proposing to me, Tomek? How romantic of you," I laugh, knowing that the box he gave me is too big to be a ring box. Judging by the size and quality, it likely is some kind of jewellery, perhaps a bracelet or necklace. Definitely not a ring.

"Unfortunately not, I couldn't afford a wedding anyway," he laughs, avoiding my gaze as I undo the red ribbon, "but I hope you like it - one last birthday present from me to you."

"You really shouldn't have, I don't know how you can afford these presents for me when you're a student, let alone a wedding," I ask him, not yet opening the box.

Tomasz had already provided me with two gifts this evening, wrapped up delicately and protected with bubble wrap, for my birthday. One was a framed photograph of somewhere in Germany, someplace he visited recently. I can't remember where it was. The other was a box of rather expensive looking chocolates. I hadn't had any of them yet, I was going to share them with the girls when I returned to the castle.

"Yeah, but I missed seeing you at the Festyn Zimowy last year, and I wanted to make your 18th birthday special," he smiled back up at me, "since you sent me a ridiculous amount of presents for my 18th last month."

I blushed at him. Yes, I might have gone overboard with the presents for him, but I get paid a lot for my work and I have very little expenses, so spending it on people I care about is the least I can do.

"I can afford it, Tomek."

"Are you opening that box, or not? The suspense is killing me here!"

"Alright!"

I took the hint, and finished opening the box, only to be met with the most dazzling, shimmering silver necklace I've ever seen.

The pendant is a star with some kind of clear gemstone rested in the centre. I'm doubtful that it's a diamond - I don't think he could afford that - but it's beautiful nontheless. There are a few other stars equidistant apart on either side of the main pendant, but these are smaller and without gems adorning them.

"Oh, Tomek!" I can't help but gasp.

Tomasz gestures for me to pass the box to him, which I dutifully do, and he carefully removes the necklace from the box and unclasps it, "I thought you could have something more special for your 18th birthday. I mean, you just took me to dinner and a show," I turn my back to him and move my hair to one side, as he stands up straight, gently lowering the necklace around my neck, and clasping it shut, "so I got you this. I hope you like it."

I look down at my new piece of jewellery, and feel so overwhelmed with gratitude, with happiness, that I almost totally miss the way Tomasz's voice trembled.

Still holding the box in one hand, I turn around to face him, and instantly wrap my arms around his neck. He is just slightly taller than me, but I don't have to stretch too far to hold him close.

"It's beautiful, Tomasz," I say into his ear, and I feel him wrap his arms around me too, "thank you so much. You've made this birthday so perfect."

"You're welcome, Słoneczka," he replies into mine.

We don't part from the embrace straight away, but before we do, I plant a soft kiss on his cheek. Without even thinking, and without shame. I know my cheeks are burning, but not as much as Tomasz's are. He is more surprised at my actions than I am.

"I'll treasure today, Tomek, always. I promise."

His smile returns, "as will I, Słoneczka. Shall we just stay here a little longer? Before we head back."

I nod, turning back around with him. But instead of facing the stars in the sky before me, I simply look down at the stars I was given, that I will wear with pride. I think both of us know what tonight was, and I'm perfectly fine with that.