It all began in 2017 at a bowling alley, where we were celebrating a friend’s birthday. We were hanging out with friends, and though our paths had crossed before, we were never especially close. Just casual acquaintances. Little did we know that this moment would mark the beginning of something truly special. Looking back, it feels like fate had a plan, slowly weaving our lives together.

A year later, in 2018, our paths crossed again, this time at Six Flags with a group of mutual friends. It was a warm spring-summer season, and we made it a tradition to visit the park almost every weekend. Those trips became more than just a fun escape—they were the backdrop for a friendship that deepened with each passing week. We would spend hours chasing thrills on roller coasters, grabbing snacks between rides, and laughing until our stomachs hurt. As the days went by, we grew closer, riding almost every ride together. One moment, though, truly stood out: the wave pool. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I (Darlene) was not the strongest swimmer, and the experience was a little daunting. But in that moment, something shifted. Holding hands, guiding each other through the water, and finally braving the wave pool, we discovered a sense of security and trust in each other that neither of us had expected. It was as if, without realizing it, we were building the foundation of something much greater.

One day, while riding the M&M ride with two of our friends, someone suddenly asked, “Are you two dating?” We froze, unsure how to respond, and ended up laughing it off. But in that awkward silence, something clicked. It was as if, at that moment, we both realized we should give this a shot. The question lingered in our minds long after that day, and it opened a door we hadn’t thought to explore before. It was as though God had given us a nudge, and we decided to take the leap of faith.

From that point on, we spent every day getting to know each other better. Texting became our lifeline, filled with late-night conversations, inside jokes, and dreams for the future. We shared laughs and stories, slowly unraveling layers of who we were. Our first date was simple but perfect. We walked around Bayside Creamery savoring ice cream and enjoying each other’s company. No fancy dinner or elaborate plans—just the kind of chill day that creates real memories. We talked about everything under the sun, from favorite movies to childhood dreams, and every moment felt effortless, as though we had known each other forever.

As our bond grew stronger, something even more special happened, he asked for us to officially be together. It wasn’t a grand gesture, no sweeping romantic overtures, but it felt just right. Sitting at dinner, he asked me to be his girlfriend with the biggest smile on his face, I of course said yes and the rest is history. In that moment I know we both felt that it was the beginning of a chapter that would change our lives forever.

Over the past six years, we’ve shared so many incredible adventures. Trips to new places, concerts that left us buzzing with excitement, late-night study sessions during school, and moments of celebration as we graduated. Holidays became opportunities to create traditions of our own, and even the toughest times taught us how to lean on each other. Through it all, we’ve grown stronger as a couple. We’ve learned the value of compromise, the importance of communication, and the beauty of unconditional support. Our relationship has become a safe haven, a source of joy and stability no matter what life throws our way.

Now, as we look back at our journey, we’re more in love than ever. We’ve come to realize that it’s often the little things that matter most. The quiet moments, the small gestures, the shared laughter—those are the memories that mean everything. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a lazy Sunday spent binge-watching our favorite shows, or simply holding hands during a walk, it’s the simple joys that have built the foundation of our love. As we look to the future, we’re filled with gratitude for every step that brought us here and excitement for all the adventures still to come.