Dylan + Mia

Dylan had planned this trip meticulously. After seeking her father’s blessing, he’d brought a modest but heartfelt ring to propose to his girlfriend, Mia. Leyde was meant to be the perfect backdrop for the moment, but the approaching wildfires threw his plans into uncertainty. Her father, with a knowing smile and a firm pat on the shoulder, suggested they take the family’s old RV—a sturdy 1979 model—and head south to escape the chaos. “You’ll find peace by the lake,” her father had said, adding with a wink, “Good spot for what you’re planning.” The couple parked the RV near a serene lakeside nestled in the mountains, the air cool and crisp. That night, an unexpected aurora lit up the sky in dazzling hues of green and purple. Dylan thought it was the perfect moment. Beneath the shimmering lights, he knelt on one knee, his heart pounding. “Mia,” he began, voice trembling, “you make my life brighter than any aurora ever could. Will you marry me?” Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded eagerly. “Yes!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. They celebrated under the celestial glow, feeling like the universe itself was giving its blessing. The next morning, the abnormal skies was still present, faintly visible even in the sunlight. Dylan and Mia joked about it being a “sign” of their love, though the phenomenon was undeniably strange. The lake beckoned, and they decided to enjoy a swim before heading back. That’s when the flash came—brighter than anything they’d ever seen. It left an afterimage burned into their vision, like staring into the sun too long. The sky seemed to ripple, a wave of energy rolling across it.