Hello. My name is Ryan. You are Aki, I suppose. She told not to be stunned when I see you for the first time.
yet here I am… indeed… stunned.
I’ve only seen you in photos and videos. None of them compare to seeing you here, face-to-face. I feel hoodwinked… bewitched — like seeing fantasy manifest into the flesh
like the birth of Venus
like a red sunset
like a perfect moon.
Up until now, I can’t believe I get to meet you, talk to you, and get to know you… that I’ll get to hear your stories and you’ll get to hear mine… that I can tell you good morning, and wish you good night.
That I’ll get to hold your hands or hold you close. That I get the chance to make you laugh.
So, hello, Aki. I am Ryan. Again. I am delighted, beyond measure, to meet you.
