Our First Passport Stamp Was Each Other

 A Love Story from 35,000 Feet

Zainab was the planner.

Vision boards. Screenshots.
She had been dreaming of Istanbul since university,
but had always waited for the right person.

Tolu was the freestyle spirit.
A digital creator who said, “Let’s go,”
before fully checking if his visa had been approved.

They had only been dating for six months.
New love still wrapping itself around old heartbreaks.
But it felt strong. Different.
The kind of love you don’t second-guess.

When Zainab sent him flight options,
Tolu didn’t blink he sent his passport.
By the time they boarded at midnight,
he had made a playlist titled “Istanbul With You.”
She melted at Slide 1: So Beautiful by Aṣa.

At 35,000 feet, over the Red Sea,
she leaned into his shoulder.
He didn’t sleep. He just watched her breathe.
And knew.

In Istanbul, the city met them with color and chaos.

They took photos under the rainbow stairs of Balat.
Bought cinnamon tea in the Grand Bazaar.
Argued over whether to try Turkish coffee.
(Zainab won. Tolu spat his out. They laughed for hours.)

She wore his oversized hoodie.
He wore her bonnet when he forgot his durag.
Strangers asked if they were honeymooners.
They said no just lovers in training.

They got lost near the Blue Mosque.
Zainab started to panic.
Tolu took her hand,
“Look at the sky, babe. We’re not lost. We’re just… not home yet.”

On day three, they booked a private sunset cruise.
No music. No social media. Just wind and water.
Zainab cried.
She told him she hadn’t felt this calm in five years.

Tolu whispered,
“You’re allowed to rest now. I got you.”

That night, back at their hotel,
they didn’t talk about marriage.
They talked about alignment.
Healing. Purpose.

She said she wanted to open a travel café for women.
He said he’d design the logo.

They kissed under soft yellow lights.
And promised nothing…
except to try again and again.

When they returned to Lagos,
they brought gifts, spices, fridge magnets.

But the real souvenir?
Each other.

“Some passport stamps take you places. Others remind you who you are. This one did both.”