It all began at a middle school basketball game, a place where destiny decided to play its hand. Amid the clamor of the crowd and the echoing cheers, our eyes met for the first time. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together at that exact moment. Our gazes locked, and in that fleeting instant, it felt like time itself held its breath. The world around us seemed to blur into insignificance, leaving only the profound connection that sparked between us. In those precious seconds, it was as though our eyes exchanged a silent question: “Who are you, beautiful soul?” The intensity of that unspoken inquiry was electric, and though our meeting was brief, it was deeply significant. We didn’t say a word, and we parted ways, each of us carrying the memory of that moment like a cherished secret. For most, such an encounter might have remained a fleeting memory. But for us, it was just the beginning of our story. Nearly two years passed, the Earth completing its journey around the sun twice before fate would give us another chance. Despite the miles between us—she in the bustling heart of New York City and he in the charming streets of Durham, NC. – the thought of our first encounter remained. “Were you to be the one that the circumstances of life let get away from me? Where are you, beautiful soul?”, we both would ask the heavens. Alas, the answer would finally be revealed —social media became the thread that wove our paths together once more. It was a simple message that rekindled the spark: “Hey, the next time you’re in Durham, we should hang out.” Her reply came with a hint of excitement, “About time.” And so, we met again. This time, on the first of would be many dates to follow. We laughed and shared stories as she shared portions of her dinner with me, and I also did the same in return. The connection was unmistakable as if the universe had been holding its breath until we could finally reunite. The same electric feeling from that long-ago glance was still there, stronger than ever. It didn’t take long for the affection that had simmered beneath the surface to blossom fully. She became his cactus flower, a symbol of resilience and beauty in an unexpected place, and he became her boo butter biscuit—a playful and endearing term for the one who made her heart feel at home. It might be an unusual description for a love story, but it perfectly captures the essence of our unique journey. And so, what began as a chance meeting at a middle school basketball game has grown into a love story as extraordinary as the moment our eyes first met.