The Beginning The city was alive with the hustle and bustle of people, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of urban life. Hardin Scott, a cheerful and optimistic young man with an infectious smile, wandered through the crowded park, his eyes scanning the crowd. It was then he saw her—Tessa Young. She was sitting alone on a bench, engrossed in a book. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the soft sunlight filtering through the trees gave her an almost ethereal glow. Hardin felt a flutter in his chest. Gathering his courage, he approached her. "Hi, I’m Hardin. Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice tinged with nervousness. Tessa looked up, her eyes meeting his. She smiled warmly. "Sure, go ahead. I'm Tessa." They talked for hours, discovering a shared love for literature, music, and adventure. It was as if they had known each other for years. As the weeks turned into months, their bond deepened, and they became inseparable. Hardin cou...