Nailed Down: A Love Story in Restraint
CHAPTER 1: "Kai's Controlled Chaos"
Kai Rylan woke to his alarm's precise 4:30 AM beep. Morning routine engaged:
* 30 minutes meditation (darkness still outside)
* 1 gallon water gulped
* 6 scrambled eggs and 6 slices bacon devoured
* Black coffee – exactly 8 oz
He stood at 6’4”, 275 lbs of chiseled muscle – powerlifting’s elite.
His phone flashed no unexpected texts – silence was expected.
His focus remained internal.
He stood at the window, coffee in hand, watching dawn break:
stillness outside mirrored his controlled within.
He turned back to routine:
* 30 minutes reading (sports science articles)
* Supplements ingested (precise milligrams)
Then, headed to the gym –
"The Iron Forge" – to crush his powerlifting session:
* Squats: 545 lbs x 5 reps
* Deadlifts: 605 lbs x 3 reps
* Bench Press: 405 lbs x 8 reps
His phone remained silent as he left the gym.
* Post-workout protein shake: 50g protein, 30g carbs
* Drive home – windows down, music off – focus remained internal
* Showered precisely 10 minutes
* Food prep began – grilled chicken, brown rice, steamed veggies
His mind briefly wandered...
before refocusing on chopping vegetables.
His life was a masterpiece of routine and strength.
____________________________
Avery Blackwood
Avery woke to chaos – no alarm needed.
Her morning routine was:
* 10 minutes scrolling through phone – social media distraction
* 2 cups strong coffee gulped – caffeine boost
* 1 hour getting ready – makeup and clothes therapy
* Unplanned breakfast – whatever leftovers or delivery
She stood at 5’8”, 130 lbs – athletic build hidden under stress weight.
Her phone flashed constant reminders –
past due bills, ex-husband’s lawsuits, looming deadlines.
Her focus wavered externally –
controlled by circumstances, not calendar.
* Post-coffee anxiety attack prevention: 10 deep breaths
* Drive to temporary job – part-time event assistant, former passion
* Unorganized lunch break – usually social media or Bryce drama
* Afternoon filled with avoidance – anything Bryce or past related
Her life was a fragile balance of coping mechanisms. 
_______________________________
Kai and Avery’s Teenage History
Summer before senior year:
* Avery Blackwood – 17, crush on star athlete Kai Rylan since freshman year
* Kai Rylan – 17, noticed Avery at beach party – her laughter caught his attention
One unforgettable night:
* They talked alone on beach pier – connection sparked
* Shared first gentle kiss under stars
* Kai left for football camp next morning – no numbers exchanged
* Avery assumed it was summer magic – until years later...
Avery stored this secret memory –
until her return to Willow Creek 5 years later.
