170 Miles

Because I love you

We both know there are more to these words

Than a kiss goodnight before bed

Or making coffee in the morning

Because we go to bed 170 miles away from each other

… and because you hate coffee.

To us,

Because I love you does not mean

“You can’t leave the dorm like that.”

When I wear a short dress to class

“You’re spending a lot of time with this ‘Levi’ guy”

When I tell you about how a new friend makes me laugh

Or even “Send nudes”

When we talk late at night.

To us,

Because I love you means

“You look amazing in that outfit”

“Tell me what Levi did at work today.”

And “I can’t wait to see you”

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I don’t know your password

But I know your Panera Order

Because I love you.

You don’t get annoyed when I don’t text right away

But you know I will eventually,

Because I love you.

I don’t ask you to explain yourself

But I ask you to explain the things you like,

Because I love you.

You don’t ask me to come home early

But you ask me what I want to do when I do,

Because I trust you, and you trust me.

Because I respect you, and you respect me.

Because I love you, and you love me.