The time is Fall 2010. The place, the Art + Design Building at the University of Illinois. Two supremely awkward teenagers, both recent admissions to the Art Foundations program, neither with any idea how to wear their hair, enter a drawing studio for class. One holds a graphite drawing of dining hall sushi. The other, an orange and a granola bar in ink. It is critique day for their very first assignment. They acknowledge each other's food drawings. They acknowledge each other. They sit together. Something sparks betwixt them. And then... ...the entirety of their freshman year, plus the following summer, goes by before they acknowledge they are dating. Everyone applauds, groaning.

The time is Fall 2018. The place, a retention pond next to Allen Hall at the University of Illinois. Two supremely awkward adults, both alumni of the Graphic Design program, still uncertain how to wear their hair, climb a tree they used to climb often. One holds an ill-fitting ring. The other holds on to some branches for dear life. It is very stressful. They acknowledge each other's longstanding companionship. They acknowledge each other. They sit together. Something sparks betwixt them. And then... ...the entirety of the Amtrak ride back to Chicago, plus the following weekend, goes by before they tell anyone they're engaged. Everyone applauds, with a little less groaning this time.