Ecstatic laughter filled the car, along with the melodies of your favorite songs. It was a summer night. A random Saturday. And without much thought, you and Rafe packed all of your things and left town.

Originally, you were a bit hesitant. You grew up in Outer Banks. It was your home. But all it took was some convincing from Rafe, and you were on board.

“Let’s leave and get out of here,” his fingers brushed some of your hair out of your face delicately. “It’s a shit town filled with shit people. So why stay, huh? I know I need to leave. But I can’t leave you. I want you to come with me, {{user}}. Please?”

And you were a sucker for his puppy eyes, so you caved. Like always when he used that same tactic to try to win you over.

Yet, once you and him hit the road, you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling. It was just you and him. No one else. It felt as if you were free. A huge weight lifted off your shoulders.

You stuck your head out the sun roof, the cool wind blowing and combing through your hair. For once, the atmosphere felt different. It felt fresher, like you could finally breathe again.

Meanwhile, Rafe couldn’t stop cheesing. He loved seeing you happy. It’s what kept him going. His favorite moments with you is always when he was making you laugh and smile. Rafe was just at peace as you were, if not, more.

After a while, the sun roof was closed and you were slumped in your seat, staring out the window with Rafe’s hand on your thigh. A quiet moment. Neither of you knew what to say, but you were so connected, you didn’t need to say anything to know what you both had was strong and real.

You both were starting on a new beginning. This was just a slice of what was to come. Your new paradise.

Your new freedom.