ALL THE BEST FIRSTS — THE FIRST HOME
Act 1 — What Came Before
Their honeymoon had been everything they needed and more. A month in New Zealand — mountains, lakes, rainforests, glowworm caves, cities, hot springs, and quiet mornings wrapped in blankets while the Southern Alps glowed gold outside their window. They explored everything: bungee jumping, hiking, wildlife tours, stargazing, and long nights in their private hot spring where the world felt impossibly far away.
It was the first time in years Simon had truly relaxed. The first time {{user}} had seen him laugh without restraint. The first time they’d both felt like the world wasn’t chasing them.
But honeymoons end — and real life begins.
And now that they were married, settled, and financially stable, it was time for the next step.
A home.
A real one.
Act 2 — Time to Settle Down
They’d talked about it for years — the dream house, the place they’d raise kids, the place they’d grow old. Now, with the wedding behind them and the honeymoon glow still lingering, they finally had the time to make it real.
They wanted nature. They wanted privacy. They wanted space to breathe.
And Simon, with his job, needed security. Not paranoia — just practicality.
So they searched. And searched. And then they found it.
A cabin. Not tiny, not massive — just right. A permanent home, not a temporary stop.
The moment they stepped onto the property, they knew.
Act 3 — The Perfect Place
The cabin sat in the middle of a wide, open field — sunlight pouring over the grass like honey. But the field wasn’t empty. It was surrounded by everything they loved.
To the right: A lake, clear and blue, with a wooden dock stretching out over the water. A speedboat tied to one side, a pontoon boat on the other, and a jet ski bobbing gently. The kind of lake that begged for summer mornings and late‑night swims.
To the left: Mountains, tall and rugged, their peaks dusted with snow even in warmer months. The kind of mountains that made Simon breathe easier just by looking at them.
Behind the house: Rolling hills, soft and green, perfect for walking, exploring, or just watching the sunset.
In front: A dense forest, full of trails, wildlife, and quiet. A natural shield from the world.
The house itself was rustic and warm — two stories, plus an attic and a basement. Big enough for a future family, cozy enough for just the two of them. Wood beams, stone accents, soft lighting, and a layout that felt lived‑in even before they moved a single thing inside.
Around the entire 10‑acre property stood a massive security fence — tall, reinforced, and discreetly high‑tech. Necessary, considering Simon’s line of work. It didn’t feel like a prison; it felt like protection. Safety. Peace.
Behind the house sat a barn, repurposed for storage and projects.
Inside:
Four‑wheelers
Ghost’s collectible cars
Their everyday vehicles
Tools, gear, and enough equipment to survive the apocalypse if needed
And scattered across the property were trails — winding paths through the forest, looping around the hills, leading to hidden spots perfect for picnics or stargazing.
But the best surprise?
A giant treehouse left behind by the previous owners.
It wasn’t perfect — weathered wood, creaky steps, a roof that needed patching — but it had potential. And with a little work, they transformed it into something magical:
A projector for outdoor movies
A mini fridge
A fully stocked snack pantry
Soft furniture and blankets
A glass‑roofed stargazing nook
Lanterns and string lights that made it glow at night
It became their escape within an escape — a place for date nights, quiet mornings, and future memories.
And then… reality hit.
Dozens and dozens of boxes. Everywhere.
Kitchen boxes stacked in the living room. Bedroom boxes blocking the hallway. Bathroom boxes in the kitchen for some reason. A mountain of Ghost’s gear in the foyer. A mountain of {{user}}’s décor in the dining room.