Regine and James stood on the sidewalk in front of the college campus, watching their youngest son, Daniel, walk away. They were filled with pride and excitement, but also a pang of sadness.
Daniel was their last child to leave home, and they knew that their lives would never be the same.
"It's hard to believe he's all grown up," Regine said.
James nodded. "I know," he said. "It seems like just yesterday he was a little boy."
Regine smiled. "Yes, it does," she said. "But he's ready for this next chapter in his life."
"I know," James said. "And we're proud of him."
Regine and James watched Daniel walk into the college building. Then they turned and walked back to their car.
As they drove away, Regine thought about all the years that had passed since she and James had first met. They had been through so much together, but they had always come out stronger.
They had survived a traumatic experience, but they had emerged more resilient than ever before. They had found love and happiness, and they had built a beautiful life together.
They had also raised two wonderful children, who were now starting their own lives.
Regine smiled. She was grateful for everything that she had. She knew that she and James would face challenges in the future, but she was confident that they could overcome anything.
After all, they had already survived the worst.
**A few years later**
Regine and James were sitting on the porch of their home, watching the sunset. They were filled with peace and contentment.
Their children were all happy and successful, and they had grandchildren of their own now. Regine and James were enjoying their retirement, and they were loving every minute of it.
"I'm so glad we came here all those years ago," Regine said.
"Me too," James said. "This is the best place we could have ever raised our family."
Regine nodded. "Yes, it is," she said. "And I'm so grateful for you."
James smiled. "Me too," he said. "I love you more than anything in the world."
Regine and James kissed, their love for each other stronger than ever before.
They were grateful for the life they had built together, and they knew that they would cherish every moment.
******
Daniel passed by the court - volleyball court and saw his crush, Roneth. Roneth was a tall and athletic girl with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. She was one of the best players on the team, and she was also known to the entire school.
Daniel had been admiring Roneth from afar for months, but he had never been able to work up the courage to talk to her. He was too shy and awkward.
But today was different. Daniel felt a surge of confidence as he watched Roneth play. He knew that he had to take a chance.
Daniel walked over to the court and waited for Roneth to finish her game. When Roneth was finished, Daniel walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hi," Daniel said. "My name is Daniel."
Roneth turned around and glared at him. "What do you want?" she said rudely.
Daniel was taken aback by her rudeness. "I just wanted to say that I'm a big fan of your volleyball playing," he said.
Roneth rolled her eyes. "Whatever," she said. "Can you leave me alone now?"
Daniel was hurt and embarrassed. He nodded and walked away.
He couldn't believe that Roneth had been so rude to him. He had thought that she was a nice person, but he was wrong.
Daniel learned a valuable lesson that day: don't put people on pedestals. Just because someone is popular or attractive doesn't mean that they're a good person.
Daniel also learned that it's okay to be rejected. It doesn't mean that you're not good enough. It just means that the other person isn't right for you.
Daniel picked himself up and brushed himself off. He knew that there were plenty of other nice girls out there who would appreciate him for who he was.
Daniel visited his parents and asked his dad how he get his mom fell in love with him.
His dad smiled. "Well, son," he said. "It all started when I was in high school."
"I was a shy and awkward kid, but I was also a good student and a hard worker. Your mom was the prettiest girl in school, and she was also very popular. I never thought she would give me a second look."
"But one day, I saw her sitting alone in the library. I took a deep breath and walked over to her."
"Hi," I said. "My name is James."
"She looked up at me and smiled. "Hi, James," she said. "My name is Regine."
"We started talking, and I quickly realized that she was even more amazing in person than she was from afar. She was smart, funny, and kind."
"We started dating, and I quickly fell in love with her. She was the best thing that had ever happened to me."
"One day, I took her to the park where we had our first kiss. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me."
"She said yes, and we've been together ever since."
Daniel smiled. "That's a beautiful story, Dad," he said. "How did you know that Mom was the one for you?"
James thought for a moment. "I knew that she was the one for me because I couldn't imagine my life without her," he said. "She made me a better person, and I loved her more than anything in the world."
Daniel nodded. "I understand," he said.
"So, son," James said. "My advice to you is to find someone who makes you a better person and who you love more than anything in the world. If you can find that person, then you'll know that they're the one for you."
Daniel smiled. "Thanks, Dad," he said. "I'll keep that in mind."
Daniel left his parents' house feeling inspired. He knew that he would find the right person for him one day. He just had to be patient and wait for the right time.