Chapter 2: Pockets Full of History

James was a boy whose denim pockets were perpetually heavy with smooth, river-worn stones, curious bits of rusted metal he passionately insisted were ancient archaeological artifacts, and at least one trusty pocketknife equipped with a delightfully loose blade that he used to carve their initials into fallen logs. Lily, on the other hand, carried a sturdy canvas satchel stuffed to the brim with dog-eared paperback adventure books, a well-worn leather notebook dedicated to sketching meticulous maps of imaginary kingdoms, and a small tin box where she carefully collected unusual leaves and pressed wildflowers. Despite their striking differences- James was loud, impulsive, and prone to leaping across rushing streams before checking the depth, while Lily was observant, cautious, and endlessly patient- they had been completely inseparable from the exact moment they collided on the kindergarten playground.