A special, once-in-a-lifetime day.

Marek slowly opened his eyes. At first, he didn't know where he was, but then he saw a familiar lamp, a trash can, and a poster with the characters from the TV series "Tenants." Then he realized he was in his room. A second later, when the dream had completely faded, he realized that today was such a special, once-in-a-lifetime day. His birthday! Another year ripped from the calendar, and on this special, once-in-a-lifetime day, he could celebrate the hundreds of days he had lived. Marek lay there, reflecting on the past year and the unknown, the next, until the memory of last night struck him with all its unexpected force. And the most beautiful gift one could receive on this special, once-in-a-lifetime day. Although they had known each other for a long time, it was only a few months ago that Marek learned that he was the special and unique one. For a long time, he had wondered if it was still friendship or perhaps love. He remembered that day as if it were yesterday. At first, he absorbed those wonderful words of confession with his whole being, feeling himself slowly grasping their meaning. Meanwhile, their hands found each other and clasped tightly. Then, as if in a frenzy, he heard his own voice from afar, repeating those words, filled with adoration and anticipation. It sounded to him like a vow he knew he would keep or die. Before he could finish, their lips found each other and refused to part for a long time. Then came two wonderful months filled with walks, broken kisses in the park, and a slow but passionate exploration of each other's bodies. And they felt together that things were moving inexorably toward that rapturous climax. And yesterday, that special, once-in-a-lifetime day had arrived. Their bodies had fused into one, only to separate again a moment later, and a moment later, they were resuming their frantic dance. Their lips found each other intuitively and flawlessly. Not once had either one gotten in the other's way or gotten in their way; it was truly a special, once-in-a-lifetime day. As they lay together, absorbing the warmth seeping from the sheets, Marek snuggled close to Andrzej's hairy chest and felt he was in his rightful place, destined for him.

But today was Marek's birthday, and Andrzej would be too, because he had been a friend of the house for years. Marek quickly jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom, because today had to be beautiful for Andrzej, absorbing every furtive glance he'd cast. Even though Andrzej would be bringing his wife and two-year-old son, Marek knew that the entire universe would consist of just the two of them, and the rest was unimportant. For Marek, this special, once-in-a-lifetime day had begun, because not everyone gets to spend their thirteenth birthday with their loved one.