It happened unexpectedly, in the heart of a serene coastal town where lives intersect like waves meeting the shore. I, Jerome, a seasoned architect in my late thirties, led a structured life filled with routines and stability. He, Alex, a vibrant nineteen-year-old, radiated energy and curiosity about the world.

We met by chance on a breezy afternoon at a quaint bookstore, drawn together by shared interests in literature and photography. Our friendship blossomed quickly as we explored the seaside town together, discovering hidden coves and sharing intimate conversations under the starlit sky. I found myself captivated by his adventurous spirit, while he admired my contemplative...