Click. The car door swiftly shut behind me as I started up the stairs towards the volunteer facility with my peers. It was a beautiful spring morning, and winter was finally starting to disappear, leaving only remnants of itself through the occasional, cool breeze.

We were greeted by the staff, who were always kind and friendly despite it being nine o’clock in the morning.

“This way!” said one of the nurses.

I walked down the winding corridor and pushed the button for the elevator, seconds later I arrived at my Buddy’s floor.

Before I could even greet my Buddy, I heard some of the most delightful news:

“Hey everyone, we’re going to play Bingo, so grab a chair and let’s go to the first floor!”

“Did you hear that?” I asked my Buddy.

“Why yes, I did. I love to play Bingo!” My Buddy responded.

My Buddy’s response was an understatement. When I say that my Buddy was the epitome of a Bingo enthusiast– I truly mean it. The previous time we had played bingo, my Buddy had won, then proceeded to win the blackout game. After her winnings, we had returned to her floor where she had showed me her past Bingo prizes, which included a small panda statue that she adored.

I grabbed a chair and loaded into the elevator with the other volunteers and Buddies. We then proceeded to set up and prepare ourselves for the intense battle ahead.

“Alright everyone, B4. B-4 and after.” Called the nurse. She was always cracking jokes during the game, and I personally found it quite funny.

“Bingo.”

Another resident had won. I looked at my Buddy, who, instead of being discouraged, looked me in the eyes and nodded that she was ready to take the next win.

“I’m no longer a teenager, I20!”

“Bingo!”

My Buddy started smiling as her board was checked and she realized that she had won.

“Annnnd that’s our game, everyone! Congratulations to the winners and don’t forget to take your prize with you.”

“You won! That is amazing!” I spoke.

“I did!” My Buddy responded.

She then grabbed her winning prize of crisp, cheddar Ruffles, and we made our way back to the second floor.

That nice spring morning reminded me that happiness doesn’t only have to come from big milestones. It sometimes comes from a game of Bingo, cheddar Ruffles, and the joy of sharing the little victories with someone who is cheering you on.