We met at a house party when we were just 19. Troy stood against the wall, quiet and steady, like he belonged there, his eyes locked on Melissa as if she were the only light in the room. She noticed his gaze, intense yet endearing, and after a moment that felt like it held the weight of a lifetime, Melissa gathered her courage, walked right up to him, and asked, "Hi… um, can I help you?" It was the start of a love story neither of us could have anticipated.