*Michael*

The sun peeked above the skyline, and its rays twinkled off the cobblestone streets, showing through the gaps in the towering buildings, its light highlighting every window and reflecting off the storefronts.

I squinted against its brightness with a smile on my face, making my way toward the little café at the end of Main Street where Lauren and I had arranged to meet. It felt like it had been months since our last lunch together, and I ...