I think it was 12th September 2011, that I embarked on a journey to see the northern side of the world. Who'd have known, that I'd find my other half in this trip?..

It all happened.. on this faithful day.
Luggage and bags all packed and sat. Got my book, read a page. Typically, every guys would scan around the group to look for pretty girls. It so happened one of them caught my eyes. But that was just like spotting a rose from a bouquet of sunflower. So i took the least notice of it as the departure went on, setting off for beautiful Shanghai.

Here and then, that particular rose seems to have really stood out, showing traits of humour and fun personality. My kind of flower! That was it. I've developed a minimal crush, just from her bubbly character.

I don't know how, but we somehow got to chat, occasionally here and there. Turns out, we were really chatting a lot since then. At night, the whole group would all gather to one hotel room to bond and socialize. Somewhat an overseas trip tradition. Added each other on every social media possible, got to know each other better, and she even did a plaid on my fringe! Night after night, i felt my crush bulb lighting up, flickering, like it was about to burst. One time, I did not get to meet that beautiful rose of mine for the nightly session, I got so anxious I had to hope she gets online on her facebook just so i could chat with her.. Apparently, she did not. At that moment, i felt like the wind just blew my rose away, nowhere to be found..

The next day. Things went for the better! Chat a lot during excursions, and of cause seeming how close we were getting, we were then rumoured or "match-made" to be husband and wife of the trip. Fun, but was rather awkward. Thing is.. I enjoyed that little phase, secretly. The last night of the trip was a bliss. I had to make an excuse to get wifi at the hotel lobby, with an actual intention of hoping to see that rose of mine, whom I've predicted to be out with her clique to get snacks over at the convenience store opposite our hotel. True enough, she did and we sat together to have a chat, without her knowing my real intention. All was good and we had fun with the whole group that night.

On our last day, I felt my heart itch, I felt it calling me. Then, i figured.
What's after the trip?
Will I ever see this girl again?
Will I ever get to meet her again?
Was that all an actual short fairytale? ..

I pondered and wondered. I knew i had to do something.
As we shopped around the last few venue, I rallied all my available courage, prompted her a provoking question..

"Do you want to seat together with me in the plane later?"

I jumped for joy in my mind right when she agreed! Nobody will ever know how happy i felt at that moment. It was all good and we really sat together. 5 hours flight back to Singapore. Took the chance, got to know each other even more, matching our similarities and interest, and eventually, i was certain, i like this girl a lot.. As we near our destination, that same tingling heart itch came back. I knew, i have to do the same thing again. Prompt another outrageous question.

"Will I ever see you again?"

All it took was her almighty 'Yes' to revitalise a huge relief in my heart and soul. With God's grace, He had brought me a wonderful soulmate, and soon, on our first date came.

Today, 7 beautiful months passed, and soon the 8th with our whole life more to come. We've never looked back since..

 Evangelyn Koh Hui Jing, you're my rose to my stem.
You completed the stalk like you've completed my life.
You bloomed the rose like you've bloomed my character.
You've brought the best out of me and I'll always be grateful for you.

I love you darling, nothing will ever bring us down. You and I, will stand as one, fight as one, and win as one. I believe in us. Let's keep on keeping on darling. (:

WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU WILL ONLY MAKE YOU STRONGER