LEGACIES OF LOVE

Oliver and Charlotte had lived next to one another for a while, and they both often attended the neighborhood block party. However, until one year, when the celebration ran later than usual, they had never actually had anything more than a small conversation. Oliver suddenly realized he had misplaced his car keys as everyone was getting ready to go. Charlotte offered to seek them out while he frantically sought them. They looked everywhere on the block, but they were unsuccessful in locating the keys. Oliver suggested they get a drink and wait for a locksmith to arrive, since he felt defeated. They started talking about their lives while they sat at the bar and finally learned they had more in common than they had ever imagined. That evening, they swapped phone numbers and began to meet up more frequently. By simply being herself, Charlotte could put Oliver at ease and make him giggle. They soon became aware of their shared sentiments for one another. They were sitting outside, enjoying the stars, one July night. Oliver had been meaning to tell Charlotte he was feeling something, but he wasn't sure where to begin. I know this sounds corny, but you light up my life, and I can't stop thinking about you, he finally added after taking a long breath. They shared a kiss under the stars, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Charlotte grinned at him, grasped his hand, and said, "I've been waiting for you to say that. You light up my world too." At the location of their first kiss, Oliver proposed to Charlotte a number of years later. They were able to create their own family once she said yes to marriage. They made sure to tell their kids the tale of their courtship and continued to show up at the yearly neighborhood block celebration. Everyone in their community was reminded by Oliver and Charlotte's story that sometimes love is waiting for you right next door.