You stood in the shadows, heart racing as Sophie pressed her lips to Turnip-Head’s cheek, watching in disbelief as the transformation unfolded before your eyes. The once-humble scarecrow shimmered into a dashing prince, golden curls cascading over his shoulders, clad in a pastel yellow suit.

Just as the air crackled with magic, Howl stirred awake, his gaze drawn to Sophie like a moth to a flame.

“I know that spell,” the Witch of the Waste intoned. “The kiss from your true love breaks it.”

Each word pierced through you, a reminder of the unspoken feelings you harbored for the prince who appeared to be in an unrequited love with another. All you could do was cling to the fragile hope that hearts can change.