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Across the World to You

“Welcome back to The Way We Met, the podcast where love stories come to life. I’m your host, Elijah, and today’s episode is extra special because I have two very important guests—my parents. Mom, Dad, welcome to the show!”

“Hey, kid,” Dad says with a chuckle.

“We’re honored to be here,” Mom adds warmly.

“Alright, so let’s dive in. You two have a pretty incredible story—two people from different worlds, different situations, somehow finding each other. So, let’s start from the beginning.”

Mom takes a deep breath. “Well, at the time, I had just ended a year-and-a-half-long relationship. I thought he was the love of my life. It broke me in a way I never expected. I needed a fresh start, so I packed my bags and took a job across the world, landing in this small town called Azalea.”

“I’ve always loved that name,” I say.

“It’s a beautiful place,” Mom continues. “I didn’t know a soul when I got there, but I met some incredible people who took me in like family. They owned this little coffee shop—more like a cozy, hidden gem of a café—and that’s where it all began.”

Dad hums in agreement. “I remember that night like it was yesterday.”

“Tell me about it.”

Mom smiles. “They invited me to this party at the café. It was a small gathering, nothing too crazy, just good music, laughter, and warmth. When I walked in, I was just taking in the atmosphere, and then… I saw him.”

“Dad?” I ask.

“Me,” he confirms, amusement lacing his voice.

“He was sitting alone,” Mom recalls. “Quiet, on his phone, lost in his own world. But there was something about him. Something that made me look twice. I walked past him to greet my friends, but I couldn’t shake this feeling, like… I needed to know him.”

“What about you, Dad? Did you notice her?”

“Oh, I noticed her,” Dad admits, and I can almost hear the smirk in his voice. “I was trying not to. See, I was in love with someone else at the time, but I couldn’t have her. Timing, circumstances—it just wasn’t possible. So, my heart was somewhere else, and I wasn’t looking for anything, anyone.”

“And yet…” I prompt.

“And yet,” he sighs. “Your mom walked into that café, and for the first time in a long time, I felt something shift.”

Mom laughs softly. “We didn’t talk much that night, just a few polite words. But I remember stealing glances at him, and every time, he’d be looking away, like he was avoiding something. Or someone.”

“I was,” Dad admits. “I didn’t want to feel drawn to her. I wasn’t ready. But the universe had other plans.”

“So, when did you actually talk?”

“That’s a story for another night,” Mom teases.

“Oh, come on!” I groan.

Dad chuckles. “Let’s just say… it wasn’t long before fate made sure we couldn’t ignore each other anymore.”

“And the rest is history,” I muse.

“The rest,” Mom echoes, “is the reason you’re here.”

And just like that, I realize—some love stories aren’t just about two people. They’re about the lives they create, the stories that come after. Like mine.

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Loving hurts

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"Sometimes, I get angry at myself for having the heart I do. I’m scared to love again because the last time I did, it broke me. I found myself on my knees, begging God to take away the pain in my heart—a pain that’s been silently killing me ever since." £

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"I just wanted to let you know how deeply you've impacted my life as my best friend. Your support, kindness, and presence have been a constant source of strength for me. Through you, I’ve learned to love myself in ways I never thought possible. The love you showed me has been a light in my life, and I’ll be forever grateful for it. You've been there through the highs and lows, and I can’t fully express how thankful I am for everything you’ve done for me. You've made such a positive difference in my life, and I will always cherish our friendship." £

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"You left me with a pain so deep, it felt like the void itself was carved into my soul. I cried day and night, wishing for the ache to stop, hoping it would end. I screamed your name into the emptiness, calling out until even Lucifer wept. The void you left behind scratched at me, relentless, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape its echo." £

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"Girls like it when men ignore em"

LIEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS

I WANT THAT MAN OBSESSED WITH ME

I WANT HIM THINKING ABOUT ME LIKE A PRAYER, EVERY BREATH, EVERY MOVE, EVERY CHOICE HE MAKES ANCHORED TO ME. I WANT HIM LOSING SLEEP BECAUSE THE IDEA OF ME IS TOO LOUD IN HIS HEAD TO LET HIM REST. I WANT HIM TO LOOK AT ME LIKE I’M THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS—LIKE THE WORLD COULD BURN TO ASHES AROUND US AND HE WOULDN’T CARE AS LONG AS I’M STILL STANDING THERE.

I WANT HIM TO SPEAK MY NAME LIKE IT’S SACRED, TO LOOK AT ME LIKE I HOLD THE UNIVERSE IN MY HANDS. TO BE HAUNTED BY THE SOUND OF MY LAUGH, THE TRACE OF MY SCENT ON HIS SKIN, THE MEMORY OF MY TOUCH. I WANT HIS OBSESSION TO BORDER ON MADNESS, TO FEEL ME IN EVERY PART OF HIM LIKE A HUNGER HE CAN’T EVER SATISFY.

I WANT TO BE HIS FIRST THOUGHT

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"I just wanted to let you know how much you’ve helped me. Through your support, kindness, and presence, I’ve learned to love myself in ways I never thought possible. You've made such a positive impact on my life, and I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve shown me. "£