It was a warm 75 degrees outside in the village of Caerleon, a town on the northern outskirts of Newport, Wales. The skies, cleared of clouds, held a nice blue color that went on as far as the eye could see. The outside farmers' market was busy with townspeople. Stands full of fresh fruit and juicy vegetables were set up around the square. Some people could be found bargaining with the sellers while others pushed and shoved past one another to get where they needed to go.
At a blue house sitting a half-mile away from the busy square, a 16-year-old girl with curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes was handed muggle money and forced out the front door by her mother.
"Just a handful of strawberries and a few bananas," her mother said. The girl nodded again for what felt like the hundredth time. She turned to leave and was halfway down the sidewalk when her mother called, "Oh, and Hallyn. Pick up some apple butter as well."
Hallyn waved her hand in the air in response and continued on her way.
When Hallyn arrived at the square, she stopped and took a deep breath of warm air as her eyes panned her surroundings looking for a stand that sold what her mother needed. She found the banana stand easily and took a minute to politely agree on a price for three of them. Finding the strawberries was a bit more difficult but finally Hallyn's eye caught a boy standing behind a table selling exactly what she needed. There was a larger crowd surrounding the table so Hallyn was forced to push her way past everyone, as politely as she could, to get to the front. She managed to find her way and once she did the boy behind the table smiled.
"Can I help you, Miss?" the boy said. Hallyn returned the smile and nodded. "What do you need?"
"Just one small crate," Hallyn replied. The boy picked up a small crate and held it out to her. As Hallyn took the crate, her hand brushed past the boy's. The boy, who obviously did not expect this, jumped startled and the crate of strawberries fell to the ground. Strawberries went everywhere.
"I'm so sorry," the boy apologized. He crouched down to clean up the mess. A lady, who was in line behind Hallyn, sighed impatiently.
"Here, let me help you," Hallyn said quickly. She bent down beside him and, together, they got all the strawberries back into the crate. They stood up and the boy placed the crate back on the table.
"Here," the boy said carefully handed her another small crate.
"How much?" Hallyn asked. The boy shook his head.
"Don't worry about it," he said. Hallyn blushed.
"No, I insist," Hallyn told him holding out a few coins to him.
"No, I insist," the boy said. He closed her hand. His touch lingered for a moment and then he pulled his hand back. "I'm William," the boy said.
"Hallyn."
"It's good to meet you, Hallyn," William said. Hallyn nodded and another blush formed on her cheeks. She silently wished her cheeks to stop turning pink.
"Yes, good to meet you," Hallyn replied. "Thank you for the strawberries." She turned to leave but William placed a hand on her shoulder. He cleared his throat before speaking.
"Would you like to have lunch?" he asked. He let out a nervous breath awaiting her answer. Hallyn was a little shocked, but she agreed.
A few more weeks went by in which Hallyn spent entire days with William. On one particular evening, William took Hallyn on a boat ride on a small lake just outside the town. Hallyn was kissed for the very first time that evening just as the sun had set. William kissed her slowly and then pulled away. Hallyn opened her eyes and looked at him. They held each other's gaze for a minute and then Hallyn looked away. She knew the end of the summer was coming but she couldn't help it. Hallyn fell in love with William.