AUGUST 2018
This is a story that begins in Summer. Because it is the type of thing that can only happen when the sun is too hot. The nights are too long, and your heart rules everything. North of the Black Mountains, there exists a town called Hay-on-Wye. It is a town populated by more books then people. Which is why it was the only place that could have fashioned a modern fairy tale. Such as the one that happened on a summer’s night in August.
A girl got drunk at a pub. Trying to forget someone.
A boy joined her, matching her drink for drink. Trying to forget responsibility. In a flurry of false bravado and hormones they vacationed in the others world for a brief respite.
Away from family, money, obligation, and responsibility that tormented the bright, young things. Like a dementor waiting to suck joy at every step.
Neither was certain if it was the booze that made them have stars in their eyes, or if the stars came before. But they shared a moment. Encouraged by Ed Sheeran playing over pub speakers. That led to messy sheets, and tangled limbs as most modern English love stories are.
In the morning, they woke up, sobered, and the only thing left was a poem scribbled left on a pillow by the girl for the boy. It would have all come to nothing. if not for the stars, and that Ed Sheeran music is for soulmates and happy endings. The stars saw how the couple shined for each other that night, and knew they’d make the world shine together.
So, the stars did what they do best.
They shined down on them. Starting their journey back to each other knowing they’d need the light through the dark times to come.