In the bustling streets of London, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a heartwarming tradition unfolds each evening, captivating the hearts of millions online. Holly Burt, a 29-year-old Londoner, recently took to TikTok to share a simple yet endearing gesture her husband, Emre Okay, performs like clockwork from atop a double-decker bus.
As the evening sun goes down, Emre, like a knight on a modern-day steed, calls Holly and then waves at her from the bus as it passes by their apartment, signaling his imminent return from a long day’s work. Holly affectionately describes the ritual as a nightly occurrence, joking on TikTok that “I married a Golden Retriever.” This playful comparison to man’s best friend encapsulates the pure and unwavering devotion Emre shows his wife.
Emre waves to his wife, as he does each night on his trip home, past their apartment. Photo courtesy of Holly Burt
With each wave, Emre’s love traverses the distance between them, bridging the gap created by busy schedules and city commutes. The TikTok clip capturing this tender moment has garnered more than 20 million views, sparking a flurry of admiration from viewers worldwide.
We live in a really cool corner unit with all windows, so either I’m in the kitchen watching the bus come by or I’m in the living room,” she said.
Commenters on the video express sentiments ranging from heartfelt to humorous, with one remarking, “Omg this is both hilarious & sweet.” Such genuine reactions underscore the universal appeal of love in its simplest, most sincere forms. “The greenest of flags,” a sentiment echoed by many who witness their love story unfold online
For Holly and Emre, this nightly ritual serves as a beacon of warmth amid the urban sprawl of London. Despite the demands of their respective careers in the tech industry, they find solace and joy in this small but meaningful gesture of connection.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to the video, Holly shares, that even while Emre’ is traveling in Germany, his endearing tradition continues to captivate hearts, and her husband is unaware of the viral sensation it has become. “He’s calling me every three hours or so like, ‘What’s the number up to?’ ” she said. “… Emre is not on social media [and] doesn’t really understand what’s going on.”
@holly_burt I married a golden retriver #marriage #couple #fyp #london ♬ Waterloo – Originally Performed By ABBA – The Musicworker’s Gang
In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, the simplicity of Emre’s wave resonates deeply, reminding us of the enduring power of love and human connection. As one commenter noted, “He’s happy to get home and see you,” which really, at the end of it all, isn’t that what we are all looking for?
Amidst the noise of the city and the drudgery of daily life, it’s the quiet gestures of love and devotion that speak volumes. And for Holly and Emre, their nightly ritual serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the simplest gestures can leave the deepest impressions. As one commenter on TikTok noted, “Maybe love like the books does exist.” Watch below for a look at this charming little love story.
Sources: People | Daily Mail
