Our story begins in Murfreesboro, where I had just moved to start graduate school. It was an exciting but daunting time, especially since I didn't know anyone in the area. Feeling a bit lonely and eager to make friends, I decided to reach out online.

That's how I met Reed. Well, actually, Reed and his friend Kevin. We agreed to meet at a local Starbucks, and I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I even joked with myself about the possibility of getting ax murdered—clearly, I had watched one too many true crime shows!

But all my worries disappeared the moment we met. Reed was kind, funny, and incredibly easy to talk to. We hit it off right away, and what started as a simple coffee meetup quickly turned into a lasting friendship. Reed and Kevin made me feel welcome in a new city, and before long, Reed and I found ourselves spending more and more time together.

Our first official date was a day I'll never forget. We decided to explore downtown and ended up getting tea from a quaint little shop. We found a park bench and sat there for hours, just talking about anything and everything. I remember being deeply impressed by Reed's compassion when he bought a homeless man a cup of tea. It was a small act of kindness, but it spoke volumes about his character.

That day was also the first time I saw Reed with his hair down. It was beautiful and so long, and it felt like I was seeing another side of him. From that moment, I knew there was something truly special about him.

Since then, we have been through so much together. We've navigated medical emergencies, family crises, and the inevitable stresses of graduate school. Yet, through all the challenges, we've also shared countless fun and joyful moments. Every day with Reed feels like an adventure, while also feeling like I am home. His unwavering support and love have been my anchor.

We've also celebrated significant milestones together. Reed was there cheering me on when I graduated, a moment that marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. In turn, I was there to support and celebrate Reed's incredible achievements—his first marathon and then his ultra marathon. Watching him cross those finish lines filled me with pride and admiration.

As we look forward to our future together, I can't wait to see what other adventures and milestones we'll share. Our journey has been an incredible one so far, and I know the best is yet to come.

-Harley

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