In the weeks that followed their serendipitous meeting at the farmers' market, Alex and Sarah's connection deepened rapidly, like a tidal wave sweeping them both off their feet. Their relationship had become the center of their lives, a haven of comfort and healing amidst the chaos of the world.

Their first official date was at a cozy seaside restaurant, which has a beautiful oceanic view of the sea. As they sat across each other, with the soft glow of candlelight and the sound of the waves in the background, the energy between them was palpable. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation, and their conversations flowed effortlessly.

"Oh my God Alex, this place is amazing" Sarah comments impressed by his choice.

"You are amazing" Alex said staring at her intently. "And I am glad you like this place"

"Like? I love it here." Her eyes sparkled with joy. "I just wonder what was behind the restaurant existence though" she said looking around curiously.

"You journalists and your stories. You can't get enough can you?" He teased.

Sarah laughed "That's our life. It's literally my lifestyle."

Sarah shared her love for writing and the way her work as a journalist allowed her to tell stories of resilience and hope. Alex, in turn, revealed more about his past, his dreams of becoming a library and bookstore owner and also owning a vacation resort.

"The service is here kind of slow though" Sarah said looking round the large restaurant with few waiters.
Alex waved and was able to get a waiter's attention.

"Good day sir, ma'am" the wai acknowledged their presence.

"It was a good day when I made the reservation till now. I didn't realize I made reservation seven days earlier to be kept waiting especially my very special guest." He gestured towards Sarah which made her smile.

"I apologize sir, would you and your guest like desserts now" The waiter asked.

"We haven't ordered yet" Sarah said confused by the waiter's ignorance.

"Oh sorry, wrong table" the waiter apologized again and took off to the opposite direction.

"Wha--" Alex couldn't complete his sentence, bewildered while Sarah shook her head.

"This was a mistake" Alex said out loud to himself "I should have gone for the other one. And to think that this restaurant has a good rating is just surprising"

"It's fine Alex" Sarah said with a forced smile. "I'm sure he will be back soon"

Alex shook his head "I am going to find the manager" and he stood up but Sarah stopped him.

"Alex, really it's fine. The major thing is that we are here together. Please sit" When didn't move, she said "Please, for me?".

Alex sighed and sat down. "I am sorry, I planned a date by the sea because of how much you told me that you love the sea which was why I made reservation here but now, I feel like I should have gone for the other restaurant. I am really sorry" Alex apologized.

"It's fine and like I said earlier, what matters is that we are together." Sarah smiled at him.

Alex looked at her for a moment then took her hand in his "You are the best" which made her beam. "But what's the point of coming to a restaurant without eating?". Sarah opened her mouth to reply him when a waitress came to their table.

"Good evening sir, ma'am. I apologize for the inconvenience. I am Martha and I am here to take your orders."

"Finally" Alex said and they both ordered. The waitress left and a few minutes later the waitress came with their orders. The almost ruined date turned out to be an awesome date. As they ate, they kept stealing glances at each other, smiling shyly like they saw their first highschool crush.

They were done with dinner and ordered dessert and they chatted while having dessert, knowing more about themselves, their families and what to expect in the future.

"Now that you're back from your service in the military, how are you dealing with the trauma from the war. I heard some people go crazy, some have PTSD but how are you coping. Do you have flashes of what happened there?" Sarah asked making Alex stiffen and just then a memory from the war flashed through his eyes making close his eyes and wince.

Sarah noticed this and apologized immediately "Oh my, I am so sorry. That's very reckless of me to say, I am really sorry. Are you okay? You know what if you don't want to share it, it's fine. I just wanted to know. I guess my job got the best out of me." Sarah rambled.

Alex opened his eyes and saw the concern on her face and wanted to speak but it felt like his throat was closed. He cleared his throat and was able to find his voice.

"It's fine" he said hoarsely. Cleared his throat again and spoke clearly this time. "It's fine, it's just that-" he paused and looked around, trying to breathe through his nose while Sarah looked at him intently, searching his face.

"It's to painful to remember and I want to forget it. All of it" He said finally looking at Sarah and she nodded, understanding his position.

"I understand" she voiced out her thoughts. "And I am really sorry for being so insensitive"

"It's fine." Alex said then looked it the glass window. The sun has gone down already and the night looked beautiful yet young "It's getting late, maybe we should leave?" It came out more like a question than a statement.

"Of course" Sarah said as she gathered her things, preparing to leave as Alex paid. Once he was through, they left the restaurant, Alex opening the door for her like the gentleman he was which Sarah loved. He drove her to the little apartment she lived in.

"I really enjoyed myself tonight, Alex." Sarah said as they walked to her apartment with their hands entwined.