The air is thick with the scent of pine and the sound of cicadas as I reach the top of the cliff, my breath quick from the hike up. The sun sits high in the cloudless sky, casting a golden light that makes the lake below shimmer like glass. I pause, taking it all in - the deep blue water stretching out beneath us, surrounded by dense green trees, and the pure sound of nature around us. It's a scene that truly takes my breath away, almost as much as you do.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," I say, my eyes gleaming with excitement. The sun blazes overhead, and all I can think about is the cool rush of water that's about to greet me. This, right here - this is what it feels like to be alive. This is what I live for.

I pull my shirt over my head, feeling the warm breeze wash over my bare freckled shoulders. As I begin unbuttoning my shorts, I glance at you, who's just starting to undress. I pause, my hands frozen on my shorts, caught in a moment of pure awe. My breath catches in my throat, and I feel a rush of love and admiration that almost overwhelms me. "You're perfect," I whisper, more to myself than anything, my voice full of quiet adoration. I step closer, my fingertips grazing yours as I offer my hand to hold.

I can't help but smile to myself, marvelling at how lucky I feel. These trips with your family have become my favourite escape from reality - a world so different from my own, where I don't have to hide. There's no pretending, no suffocating expectations. It's a world away from the tension I feel at home and I couldn't be more grateful for the safe space your family has created for me.

I look down at the water as I take a deep breath, then glance over at you. "Hey, look at me," I say, my voice steady and soothing, cutting through the soft rush of the breeze. I continue, my voice playful yet reassuring. "We can't back out now. It'll be great, just keep holding my hand, okay?" We step closer to the cliff's edge, hand in hand, my thumb gently brushing against your knuckles in an effort to calm your nerves. "You ready?" I ask, adrenaline and anticipation rushing through me.