Because I Love You

At the break of dawn in a small coastal town, a gentle breeze carried the scent of the sea into Elle's bedroom. She awoke to the sound of seagulls singing outside her window. Today was her eighteenth birthday, a day that had a special place in her heart. Her parents had always made her feel loved and cherished, and she knew today would be no different.

Downstairs, the dining table was adorned with fresh flowers, and her favorite breakfast awaited her. But it was the card, placed right in the center, that caught her eye. It read, "Because I Love You."

Her heart swelled with anticipation as she opened the card. Inside, her mother's elegant handwriting expressed her love, gratitude, and excitement for the day's surprises. However, what truly intrigued Elle was the last line: "A special gift awaits you at the lighthouse."

The lighthouse was Elle's sanctuary, a place she often visited to find solace and think. As she made her way to the rugged cliffs that led to the lighthouse, she thought about the love her parents had always showered her with. It was more than just words or gifts; it was a feeling of belonging and warmth that enveloped her.

Upon reaching the lighthouse, Elle noticed a beautifully wrapped box with a single rose placed on top. Her hands trembled with excitement as she untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside, she found an antique locket, delicate and ornate, with a photo of her parents inside.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the stories her mother used to tell about the locket. It had belonged to her grandmother and was a symbol of their enduring love through generations. The locket held a secret compartment, and inside, Elle discovered a handwritten note from her father.

The note was filled with heartfelt words, expressing his pride in her accomplishments, his dreams for her future, and the depth of his love. He had always encouraged her to pursue her passions, to dream big, and to follow her heart. The note concluded with a simple request, "Meet us at the beach at sunset."

With the locket close to her heart, Elle made her way to the beach, her emotions a beautiful blend of happiness and anticipation. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow on the sand. She spotted her parents standing by the shore, silhouetted against the breathtaking hues of the setting sun.

They embraced her warmly, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, her father handed her a canvas and paintbrush. Her mother explained, "Because we love you, we want you to paint your dreams, darling."

With a canvas, the vivid colors of a sunset, and the whispers of the sea as her muse, Elle began to paint. She poured her heart onto the canvas, creating a masterpiece that reflected her passions, her dreams, and her love for her parents. The act of painting allowed her to express herself in a way she had never before.

As the painting took shape, her parents watched in awe, their eyes filled with pride and love. Elle's creation was a reflection of her individuality and the dreams that had been nurtured by her parents.

It was a testament to the love that had always surrounded her, the love that had allowed her to become the person she was meant to be.
The evening turned into a night filled with laughter, shared stories, and the realization that love wasn't just a word; it was an unspoken bond that transcended time and space. It was the guiding force that had shaped Elle's life, her dreams, and her future.

As the stars appeared in the night sky, Elle's parents handed her a necklace, one that matched the locket they had given her earlier. It was a symbol of their love, a bond that would forever connect them, no matter where life's journey would take her.

With gratitude in her heart and a sense of belonging that was stronger than ever, Elle knew that her parents' love would be a guiding light throughout her life. " I love you'll" she whispered to her parents, embracing them tightly.

That night, under the starry sky, Elle realized that love was not just about words or grand gestures; it was about the unwavering support, the encouragement to chase dreams, and the reassurance that no matter what, someone would always be there to say, "Because I love you." And for Elle, that was the most precious gift of all.