I remember the feeling of leaving Narita Airport that morning in May - As we waved goodbye before going through security. There was an overbearing feeling of sadness that dawned upon me. That I wouldn’t know when I’d see AJ next.

 

Back home, life returned to its usual rhythm: gym, work, eat, sleep, repeat - Weekends were for FaceTime dates. As each day passed and everyday challenges came up, I was aimlessly counting down days to a due date that didn't exist.

 

One day, my sister Arlene asked if I could help with a pageant photoshoot on August 3, 2024. It was "Beach-themed"—she said we’d all wear white and needed to get our nails done. I didn’t think much of it. That same week, AJ told me he’d be busy volunteering at an “English Summer Camp” that weekend—no Wi-Fi, no calls. It seemed to work out perfectly. I’d be tied up with the shoot and spending time with my older sister, who was visiting. We agreed to move our date night.

 

The morning of August 3rd, I had to pick up my sister Michelle, who was arriving from the Island, at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Since Arlene had morning appointments, Michelle and I spent the morning thrifting at Value Village. Arlene had asked us to be home by 12:00 PM to start her hair and makeup, but noon—soon turned into 1:00 PM. Eventually, we made it to Steveston Village and walked toward Garry Point Park. As we were exploring the park to find the perfect spot for her photoshoot, we came across a path scattered with rose petals and a message in a bottle.

 

In that moment, I said to my family, “Omg, that’s so cute for whoever that’s for... It’s definitely giving one less lonely girl vibes,” completely oblivious that it was meant for me LOL. AJ, knowing how nosy I am and that I would take the bait, had set it all up perfectly. I ended up walking toward the message in the bottle.

 

Then, all of a sudden, I heard our first slow dance song, "Agape". Blinded by the sun and overwhelmed by the realization that it was all for me, I started crying—and there he was.