Seat Next to You

Jake and I have two classes together this semester. I like school a lot more when I have a sweetheart to hold hands with during a lecture. Each day I walk into class and put my textbook on the desk next to mine. I save a seat for Jake. I didn’t think much of or even notice this behavior until our professor pointed it out to me.

Jake walked in a minute or so before class began. Everyone else was already in their seats and Professor Platt was at the front of the classroom. I picked up my textbook off of Jake’s desk as he sat down. “Don’t worry,” Professor Platt said. “Your wife saved you a seat.”

The class laughed a little. Everyone was aware that we are married and the seat had belonged to Jake the entire semester. I felt a little silly in the moment, but when I came to class the next day, I set my text book on the desk next to mine. I saved him a seat. I still do. I don’t want to sit with anyone else.

When we were dating we spent most of our time on a swing hanging from an apricot tree in my parent’s front yard. Even when I sat there alone, I always sat on the edge of the swing, leaving a space for Jake. Saving his seat.
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I’ve been paying attention to where we sit. Jake saves places for me. Even when things get tough or busy, I always have the seat next to him. I guess that’s why I’m so happy.