Aiden and Lily had known each other since they were five. They met in a small town, where their houses stood side by side, separated only by a white picket fence. From the moment they met, they were inseparable—spending afternoons climbing trees, riding bicycles, and making pinky promises under the old oak tree in Lily’s backyard.
As they grew older, their bond deepened. Aiden was the boy who stood up for Lily when bullies tried to tease her, and Lily was the girl who always brought Aiden his favorite chocolate chip cookies whenever he was sad.
By the time they reached high school, their friendship had turned into something more. They never spoke about it directly, but the way Aiden’s eyes softened when he looked at Lily, and the way her heart raced whenever he was near, spoke volumes.
One evening, during their senior year, Aiden finally confessed. It was at their favorite spot—the old oak tree. "Lily," he said, his voice nervous yet determined, "I think I've loved you forever."
Lily smiled, her eyes glistening. "I think I’ve been waiting for you to say that forever," she whispered back.
Their love blossomed in college, but distance tested their relationship. Aiden went to study engineering in another state, while Lily pursued literature closer to home. There were countless calls, letters, and late-night messages, but long-distance was never easy.
One winter, Aiden stopped responding as frequently. Lily feared the worst—that he had moved on. But in reality, Aiden was struggling. He didn’t want to burden her with his stress. It took a heartfelt conversation for them to realize that love wasn’t just about the good times—it was about holding on even when things got tough.
After college, Aiden returned home, and on the same day, under the same oak tree, he proposed. "Lily, you were my first love, my best friend, and my forever. Will you marry me?"
Tears streamed down Lily’s face as she nodded. "Yes, a thousand times yes!"
Years later, as they stood under that same oak tree, watching their children play, Aiden squeezed Lily’s hand. "We made it," he whispered.
And just like that, their childhood love turned into a lifetime of happiness.
