I’ve always believed life has a way of balancing things out. Sure, life has thrown heavy stuff my way, but somehow, things always balance out. I’m Bree, and I’m 20. Looking back, I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve also been blessed with some incredible people.

Growing up, I was the apple of my parents’ eye. Being an only child, I got all the love and attention you could imagine. My parents made sure I had the best of everything: the best schools, the most amazing birthday parties, and friends who were like extended family.

Every night, my dad would tuck me in and tell me stories of his childhood adventures, and my mom never let a day pass without telling me how much I meant to them.

But when I was ten, my whole world flipped upside down. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My parents were heading out to a family gathering in another city and I was staying with my grandma. They hugged me tighter than usual before they left.

Later that evening, while I was playing checkers with Gran, we got the devastating news of a horrible accident. A truck had lost control and crashed into my parents’ car on the highway. They didn’t make it.

Losing them was like losing a part of myself. But Gran and Grandpa stepped right into those gaping roles my parents left behind. They never let me feel alone.

Gran would read to me every night, stories that made the corners of the world seem a touch closer. Grandpa would take me to theme parks, pushing me on the swings higher and higher, as if he could lift me away from my sorrows.

Their gifts were always so thoughtful! But nothing compared to their love and warmth. I cherished those moments, those simple, quiet days with them. They were my fortress, shielding me from feeling the full weight of my parents’ absence. With Gran and Grandpa around, life felt whole again, even with its scars.

Life, huh? Just when you think you’re steady, it throws you another curveball. A few years back, just as I was starting to really settle into the rhythm of life with my grandparents, we faced another storm—Grandpa passed away.

It hit us hard. For me, it was like losing a parent all over again, and for Gran, I can’t even imagine the pain of losing her life partner.

Despite her own grief, Gran was incredible. She continued to be my rock, never letting her sorrow diminish the warmth and love she showered on me. Her strength was something else. It brought us even closer together.

We were more than just granddaughter and grandmother; we were a team, a little family of our own holding onto each other through everything.

Gran is honestly the dearest person in my life. I trust her judgment implicitly—after all, I am who I am today because of her love and guidance.

And then, there’s Noah. We met at an art exhibition about a year ago. You know those moments when you just click with someone? That was us. From that day on, it was as if we’d known each other forever.

Noah is 23, a couple of years older than me, and just… wonderful. He’s got this kindness about him that’s so genuine it makes you want to be better just by being around him.

He’s sweet, loving, and caring, and we share so many of the same interests. With him, it feels like maybe, just maybe, happily-ever-afters aren’t just fairy tales.

As things with Noah got serious, I knew he had to meet Gran, the most important person in my life. I was really hoping she’d see in him what I did, and maybe, just maybe, give us her blessing. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs.

I expected a smile or a curious question when I first mentioned Noah to Gran, but her reaction totally caught me off guard. She was against it—flat out. She told me I was too young and that it was too early for me to be thinking about serious relationships.

Gran, with all the love in her voice, advised me, “Focus on your studies, dear. Your future can’t wait. You have your whole life ahead for matters of the heart.”

It stung, I won’t lie. But hurting Gran or making her upset? I couldn’t bear the thought. So, I toned down talking about Noah around her. I still met him and texted him heart emojis and all, but when I was with Gran, I was the studious granddaughter she wanted me to focus on being.

Noah’s reaction to Gran’s concerns could have gone many ways, but he only showed his true colors. He didn’t get mad or feel slighted. Instead, he hugged me and said, “She just wants what’s best for you, Bree. It’s cool. We’ll take things slow, no rush.”

Hearing him say that, and seeing him understand without a flicker of resentment, made me fall for him even more. It wasn’t just about us; it was about respecting my family’s wishes too. Noah got that, and it meant the world.

University life, huh? It really knows how to test you. Between all the projects and the never-ending assignments, I found myself moving into an off-campus dorm just to keep up.

With all that on my plate, catching up with Noah or visiting Gran became a rare treat—most of our chats shrunk down to texts and the occasional FaceTime when we could squeeze it in.

Imagine my shock when I finally had some free time, dropped in on Gran, and saw something unbelievable.

There she was, getting into a car with Noah. My Noah. Where on earth could they be going together without me knowing? Curiosity piqued and heart hammering, I decided to follow them.

I followed the car at a safe distance, my heart twisting with each turn. They pulled up in front of this quaint little restaurant I’d heard about but never visited. What happened next felt like something out of a feel-good movie.

Noah got out, walked around to her side, and opened the door for Gran, the gentleman he always is. He took her hand, helping her out of the car, and they walked into the restaurant together, chatting and laughing.

Peeking through the window, I watched them laugh and chat as they took a table. Seeing Gran really laugh, something I hadn’t seen in a long while, warmed my heart. They looked so at ease, so happy in each other’s company.

In that moment, any fears or doubts I had just melted away. Noah wasn’t just special to me; he was special to the most important person in my life. I couldn’t have asked for a more heartwarming sight.

I stood there, a few minutes longer, just watching them. Feeling like the luckiest person on the planet, I realized just how blessed I was to have someone like Noah. Not just in my corner, but in Gran’s too.

Over that weekend, my heart still full from what I’d witnessed, I brought it up with Noah. I just had to know more about what was going on. What he shared next not only surprised me but sent waves of emotion crashing over me.

“You know, Bree, it started off as a surprise visit to your grandma,” Noah began, his voice soft, reflecting the warmth of his actions. “I thought it’d be nice to check on her, maybe keep her company for a bit.”

Noah explained how that day turned into more when he noticed the lawn needed mowing and he offered to help out. “Gran and I, we just clicked, you know? And she mentioned how your grandpa used to take her out every Thursday, rain or shine.”

So, that’s what Noah had been doing. Every Thursday afternoon, he’d been secretly taking Gran out for lunch. They’d start with whatever task she needed around the house, and then they’d head to her favorite restaurant. He always insisted on paying, respecting the tradition Gran had shared with her husband.