Thanks to the University of Oregon, both of us were required to take a general education class in Winter of 2020. We figured we would settle for an easy course: Humanities 300. However, unbeknownst to us, it was basically a Russian literature class. The class was focused and structured around the great Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy. Cole sat behind me the first couple weeks of class, but we didn't exchange words until half way through. We really only started talking because both of us were lost and had no idea what we were supposed to be doing and we had a group project due at the end of the term. Every day we'd come to class, sit in the back, and BS our way through the class discussion. One day after class, Cole and I were walking across campus when he asked me to lunch that Saturday. We decided on ramen at a place nearby (not the easiest food to eat on a first date). After that lunch date, we started talking every day and struggling our way through Tolstoy every Tuesday and Thursday in the basement of Esslinger. Once COVID hit in March, we were able to start spending almost every day together since school and work were shut down temporarily. Those first few months were difficult with everything happening in the world, but it allowed us to grow closer and really get to know each other. I guess the rest is history since here we are getting married...but, while I hated it, I have Tolstoy to thank for bringing me and Cole together.