It all began at a birthday party with friends and family. A photo and a last-minute invitation found their way to Joe. The moment he saw me in the photo, he rushed home, freshened up, and came straight to the party, certain he needed to meet me.

From the moment he arrived, everything felt natural. We found ourselves side by side, talking as if we had known each other for years. Later that evening, I slipped away briefly to let my puppy, Athos, outside, and Joe offered to come along to keep me company. Athos curled up at his feet the instant they met, as if he had been waiting for him. We returned to the party, but before the night was over, Joe had quietly gone without saying goodbye.

The next day, I woke up to a text from Joe asking me on our first date, and that was the true beginning of us.