Once upon a time, in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone else’s business (and their cat’s favorite nap spots), there lived a man and a woman who, for two years, lived just four houses apart. It’s like living in the same small town but not realizing your future spouse was practically in your backyard. Classic sitcom setup, right?

Our heroine, let’s call her Katie, was living the single life with all the joys of being her own boss. But one fateful day, she spotted a man, let’s call him Blake, standing on his front porch. He was gazing into the distance with an air of “I’m either contemplating life or I forgot my shopping list.” Katie decided this was a sign. Or maybe it was just that she had a little too much coffee and was feeling brave. Either way, she took a deep breath, marched over, and asked him if he wanted to hang out.

Blake, probably surprised that someone had noticed him and was offering him more than just a wave, accepted. And so, with a smile and the kind of casual confidence that only comes from an unexpected invitation, he showed up at Katie’s doorstep. Little did he know, this was his audition for the role of “Man Who Never Leaves.”

Katie and Blake spent their first hangout like a couple of old friends, talking, laughing, and discovering that they both had an unhealthy obsession with collecting quirky coffee mugs. They didn’t have to work too hard to keep the conversation flowing because, apparently, they were both major fans of ‘dad jokes’, vinyl records, and weird food combinations.

As days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, Blake’s frequent visits became a common sight. Friends and neighbors began to wonder if Katie had somehow trained him to be a permanent fixture, like a beloved sofa or a really loyal plant. Katie, for her part, just marveled at how perfectly Blake fit into her life, like a puzzle piece she didn’t know was missing.

One day, as the seasons changed and their bond deepened, Blake decided he wasn’t just visiting anymore. He took the plunge and moved in. The neighbors might have had bets on how long it would take for this “permanent guest” to become a “permanent roommate,” but Blake’s move was more than just a change of address. It was the start of a new chapter in their story.

Together, over the last 3 years, Katie and Blake built a life full of care, safety, love, respect, and kindness. Their home became a haven where their hearts found their rhythm, and every day felt like a continuation of their first great hangout. They had their ups and downs, of course, but they faced them with the same grace and humor that brought them together in the first place.

So, while it might have taken two years and a casual invitation for them to realize they were meant to be, once they did, they never looked back. And thus, Katie and Blake lived happily ever after—just four houses away from where they started, but with a world of love and laughter packed into their shared lives.