I wonder if this is how Papa felt back when he met Mama.

I’ve heard the stories before – Onkel Florian loves telling me about it. How my parents met while Papa and the band were on tour. How they spent this one perfect day together, and fell in love. How they thought they’d never see each other again, until Mama agreed to join them on tour. And the rest is history, I guess.

Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Too perfect. I used to think Onkel Florian was exaggerating… Things like that only happen in the movies, right? Not real life.

Or at least, that’s what I used to think.

Until yesterday.

Remember Hope? That girl I met back when I was just a kid? The one I totally blew my chance with? I was so sure I’d never see her again in my entire life, and then there she was – sitting on one of the couches in the Cornerstone the other night. Can you believe it? I’m not usually one for all that ‘fate’ crap, but… I dunno. I mean, what are the odds?

Anyway, the second I saw her, I promised myself I’d make it up to her somehow. I felt like I had to. I don’t even know why I cared so much, but I did. So yesterday, I ended up finally taking her on that tour of the city I’d promised all those years ago.

I just had to get to know her better. It’s hard to describe, but there’s just something about her… And it’s not just that she’s gorgeous (or a model. Yes, a freaking model!). I can’t really explain it.

She’s just one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in my life.

She’s so… fearless, I guess? I think that’s the best way to describe it. Five minutes with her, and you can tell this girl tells it like it is. She’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind. I really wish I could be as bold and confident as she is, y’know? And even half as passionate. She told me so many amazing stories about travelling the world, and all these crazy modeling jobs she’s had… I could have listened to them all day.

And oh my God, she’s so damn funny. I think my Ur-Opa Jonas was the only one who could ever make me laugh as hard as she can. It’s been hard to feel normal again, ever since he passed away… But I don’t think I’ve laughed as much in the past six months as I did yesterday.

Is this what they mean when they talk about love at first sight? Or second sight, I guess… Whatever you wanna call it. I mean, is this what it feels like? Is this how my parents felt?

I dunno. I’m kinda getting ahead of myself, huh? I mean, we’ve only just met properly like two days ago. We barely know each other. So I guess it’s still way too soon to call this “love” or anything… But it’s something. Something I’ve never felt in my entire life.

We’ve been texting each other back and forth all day, and we already made plans to meet up again tomorrow afternoon when I get out of work. Not like a real date or anything… Just hanging out, like yesterday. But I don’t mind. For once, I really, really don’t wanna rush into anything. Why risk messing it all up?

And next weekend she’s heading back home to San Myshuno anyway… That’s practically on the other side of the world. Who knows when she’ll be back in Windenburg again? I don’t want this to turn into some kind of stupid fling. Hope deserves better than that… And I’d like to think I do too.

We’ll see what happens. For now, all I know is I’m so happy we ran into each other again. Fate, destiny, coincidence… Whatever you wanna call it, this is the start of something amazing.

I can feel it.