On a sweltering summer night in Boston, 15 years ago, a 30-year-old woman found herself on a stranger’s porch, on the verge of a breakdown. In just one week, her life had shifted from hopeful celebration to utter despair. Homeless, jobless, and heartbroken, she felt her dreams had crumbled into nothingness.
Raised in Texas amidst poverty, addiction, and illness, she dropped out of school at 13 to support her family. After two decades of hard work and a mountain of student loans, she managed to return to school. Despite the odds, she got accepted into a prestigious private university and even fell in love while studying abroad.
While studying in Brighton, England, she received devastating news from home. Distraught, she was dragged out of her room by a friend to see a band perform. There, she noticed Damian, the band’s djembe player, whose kindness and attentiveness caught her eye. Despite her sadness, Damian bought her a drink and held her hand for six hours, listening to her troubles and offering comfort.
Their two weeks together were filled with genuine emotional connection. For the first time, she felt truly safe and loved. Leaving England was heart-wrenching, with only promises to stay in touch. Back in the U.S., she worked tirelessly to save money to reunite with Damian.
Just after graduating, she sold her belongings and boarded a flight back to England, only to face an unexpected setback at UK border security. A misunderstanding about their relationship status led to her being denied entry. The situation ended her relationship with Damian and forced her to return to the U.S. under distressing circumstances.
Back in Boston, she felt a mix of anger, grief, and eventual forgiveness. When she finally spoke to Damian, she expressed her deep longing for a hug. Three days later, Damian arrived with a taxi, offering exactly what she had asked for his comforting embrace. This act of love reaffirmed her belief in their future together.
Fifteen years later, Damian and she have navigated numerous challenges together, including marriage and immigration issues. They now call New Zealand their home, where they live on a rural orchard and pursue their passions. Despite their differences, they complement each other perfectly, with Damian still providing the most reassuring hugs.
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