116 TOGETHER, FOREVER

The rest of the world became out of focus, the low thrumming of the drums growing distant.

My eyes were only fixed on Luca as I slowly walked up to him. I saw him wiping his glistening eyes with the back of his hands before he gave me a heart-melting smile.

This is it. It's finally happening.

We're doing it in the middle of the forest, surrounded only by nature and a tribe of strangers who were kind enough to hold the wedding ceremony for us.

Beside Luca stood an elderly man leaning on a familiar-looking cane. He was a tribe elder and would be officiating the ceremony. He instructed Luca to take my hand, and together we stepped up to the giant spirit tree.

It was a simple ritual.

First, Luca and I poured water on each other's hands, which symbolizes washing away our past and starting anew.