Our story tonight is called Moving In, and it’s a story about a long drive in a packed car at the beginning of freshman year. It’s also about paper cups of coffee, new towels and beloved memories, turning leaves on the commons and the tender adventure of growing up and letting go.

Our story tonight is about a late summer bike ride that leads somewhere beautiful and unexpected, lily pads floating on the water, an X marked on a map, and the happiness of watching a friend begin a new season of their life.

Our story tonight is about marking the end of warm summer days with a little back-to-school shopping, choosing planners and paper goods, deciding which color folder belongs to math, and treating yourself to something new simply because it makes you smile.

This is a story about a trip across a river at the end of the summer, it’s also about a song playing from the jukebox, a roadside sign missing a few letters and taking a chance on love.

Our stories tonight are about savoring the abundance of late summer, from overflowing gardens and farmers’ market stalls to heavy rains, nights around the bonfire, blankets on the grass, and the sweet, fleeting moments before fall arrives.

Our story tonight is called Caught in the Rain, and it’s a story about a boat ride as the summer winds down. It’s also about horseshoes and fresh, clean beach towels, the quiet rocking of the waves, the space between dreams and awareness, and the rush of cool air and dim light that comes with a summer storm.