In the bustling heart of New York City, Alyn and Ryan strolled around, savoring the serenity that contrasted their pasts. The familiar laughter of children playing and the distant hum of city life surrounded them. Ryan, holding Alyn's hand, felt the weight of a small velvet box tucked into his pocket.
As they approached the iconic Central Park, Ryan's heartbeat quickened. He envisioned this moment countless times – the moment he would ask Alyn to spend the rest of their lives together. Alyn, sensing his anticipation, smiled, her violet eyes reflecting the shared journey that had brought them here.
Just as the words began to form on Ryan's lips, an unexpected twist unfolded. A young girl, lost in the crowd, approached them. "Excuse me, have you seen my sister anywhere? She was wearing a blue top, and has brown hair. Please... she's been missing for a week... and my mom and dad are gone too..."
Instinctively, Alyn and Ryan offered their assistance. Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary encounter would lead to a heart-wrenching revelation.
"I'm sorry... I don't know... if you want we can help you."
She told them she would be fine, and began walking off. Although they were worried about her, she looked okay, but decided to keep an eye on her anyway.
As Alyn and Ryan stood in the midst of New York's vibrant cityscape, he took a deep breath, ready to unveil the engagement ring hidden in his pocket. The atmosphere brimmed with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. But fate, indifferent to their plans, had one last tragic twist in store.
As the words "Will you marry me?" were about to escape Ryan's lips, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. The joyful ambiance shattered into chaos. A distant scream pierced the air, causing Alyn and Ryan to turn towards the source.
Their eyes widened in horror as a series of events unfolded. In the midst of the turmoil, a speeding car sped out of control. The tragedy struck with devastating precision, leaving the once-hopeful scene stained with grief.
Alyn and Ryan rushed to the scene, compelled by an instinct to help. Amidst the chaos, they discovered the car had struck the young girl they had encountered earlier, as she was trying to cross the road.
They couldn't bear to stand by and watch, immediately calling the ambulance. As they saw the flashing red and blue lights, they kept her alive for as long as they could, trying every tactic they once used to help each other in the war.
The ambulance drove in, and as the paramedics were carrying the girl up, Alyn's eyes quickly shifted behind her, and a sparkle caught her eye. She reached for the open box with a ring inside, and called Ryan. "Is this... yours?"
Alyn's hand trembled slightly as she clutched the engagement ring box. Confusion and concern etched into her features as she stared at the gleaming symbol of a proposal that never happened. She extended it towards Ryan, seeking an explanation.
His eyes met hers briefly before darting away. "No... it's yours..." he uttered, his voice carrying a hint of unease. The unexpected twist had thrown them both off balance.
Alyn's eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment. "But how did it get here? I didn't have this with me..."
Before she could press further, Ryan diverted their attention. "We should check on the child... make sure she's okay." His urgency masked the turmoil within, sidestepping the unresolved question about the mysterious engagement ring.
As they walked away from the scene, the unanswered proposal lingered between them, a silent reminder of the unexpected turns that life could take. The ring, a solitary witness to a failed proposal, remained nestled in its box, its significance temporarily overshadowed by the urgency of the moment.
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