Rewind

Alex lives a normal life in the bustling city of Birmingham. His routine is typical: he wakes up around 6:00 am, drinks a cup of coffee, goes to work, and then returns home to spend time with his girlfriend, Emily.

Emily is a warm and caring individual who complements Alex's steady lifestyle. She values the quiet moments they share after his long day at work, often making their time together the highlight of his routine. Emily might be depicted as supportive and understanding, someone who enjoys the simplicity of their life together but also seeks to add small touches of joy, like planning weekend outings or cooking dinner together. Her personality could be nurturing, possibly with a creative or compassionate side that brings balance to Alex's structured life.

Alex and Emily are like two peas in a pod. They met at a bar where Emily sat at the counter, stirring her drink, her eyes occasionally drifting to the entrance. When Alex walked in, his gaze swept the room until it settled on her. Their eyes met, and the bar seemed to fade away momentarily. He approached her with a warm, inviting smile, and she felt an inexplicable pull towards him. When Alex sat beside her, their conversation flowed effortlessly; the connection was immediate and electric. That night unfolded with laughter and shared stories, two strangers drawn together by fate.

Ever since that night, Alex and Emily have been inseparable. They currently live in an apartment and have plans to buy a house and grow old together one day.

Today was their date night, so Alex's routine was a bit different. After leaving work, he went to a local pawn shop called, 'Pawn Jewels' to look for an affordable ring. As he browsed, he spotted the perfect one, feeling an inexplicable attraction to it.

"Hello, can I purchase that ring there?" Alex asked a cashier.

"Why yes, of course, this ring, it's a very special ring. Who's the lucky gal? Or man, if that's your thing?" The cashier asked.

"Yeah, she's... she's the love of my life, and I'm hoping to propose today," Alex replied with a smile.

"Ah, okay. This ring is going to cost you one hundred one dollars and thirty-two cents, tax included," the cashier said.

"Oh, yeah, okay, um..." Alex said, scrounging around in his pockets. "I got eighty-six, wait, eighty-seven dollars. Will that work?"

"For you, it will," the cashier said.

"Thank you, sir! I promise I will pay you back!" Alex responded, and the cashier nodded.

"Alex?" The cashier called out just before Alex left. "Don't keep the girl waiting now."

Alex nodded and headed to his car, driving back to his apartment. Once home, he greeted his girlfriend.

"Hey babe, I'm home. Ready for date night?" Alex asked.

"Hey, you! I've been looking forward to this all day. Where are we going tonight?" Emily says, turning to him with a smile.

"I was thinking we could try that new Italian place downtown. You know, the one you've been talking about." Alex responds while grinning.

"Oh, that sounds perfect! Let me just grab my purse, and we can head out." Emily replies.

As Emily turned to get her purse, Alex's heart started racing. He slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the small box that now held so much promise.

"Ready?" Emily asks, returning with her purse in hand.

Alex replies after taking a deep breath, "Actually, before we go... there's something I want to ask you."

Emily paused, noticing the sudden seriousness in his tone.

"What is it, Alex?" She asks.

Alex pulled out the ring box, his hands trembling slightly as he opened it, revealing the ring. "Emily, you mean the world to me. Every day with you feels like a blessing, and I can't imagine my life without you. So, I was wondering..." He got down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"