Welcome to the Wedding of

Virtual classes are in full swing at Penn State. Madison is sitting at her desk doing homework, procrastinating by staring at her betta fish, the only pet she was allowed to get while in college. Cole is sitting in the living room of his apartment, playing video games with his roommates while music blares from the massive speakers above their kitchen cabinets. Madison pulls out her phone to procrastinate further. Cole gives the controller to someone else for a turn and pulls out his phone to pass the time. They both open the app that all college kids used to meet friends and others during the time of the pandemic, when bars were closed, clubs were halted, and meeting any other way was nearly impossible. Madison finds a photo of a cute guy cuddling his black dog with a bright, big smile on his face. Cole finds a photo of a cute girl wrapped up in a blanket, crying at a tv show, and laughing at herself. They both swipe yes. "I was told to ask about the dog," Madison texts through the app, referencing his bio. "That," Cole said in response, "is Barkley." They never stopped talking. A week passes. They go on a date to the local study joint, Panera Bread. Eight hours later, Madison realizes her friends think she'd been kidnapped. She realizes she hasn't looked at her phone once. Madison does not give him her number. Cole thinks she's trying to be funny. They continue talking. Two months pass. They are not dating. Cole is confused. Madison is dreading telling her dad. They still have not stopped talking. Two more months pass. Madison is tipsy on a night her friends came over to play games at her house. Cole is far less tipsy. "You're my boyfriend," she says, heavy-lidded eyes crinkled by an intoxicated smile. "I know," Cole says as he brings her water. January 31st, 2021. They are dating. Madison realizes she has to tell her dad. She does. Winter ensues. Cole is the dedicated hand warmer. He hates this job, but does it with minimal complaints. Madison begins to fall in love. She is terrified. Spring comes. They are watching a movie. They argue over the plot, the characters, and the resolution. Madison slips. "Hey, I love you, but that's the dumbest opinion I've ever heard." Cole freezes, "What?" Madison also freezes. Cole begins to smile. Madison turns 21. In the basement of a bar, dimly lit and reeking of beer and fries, Madison pulls out her phone and takes a video of their group. Cole, drunk off Miller Lite and glee, screams into the video. "I love your daughter! I love your daughter, and that's on anything I can put it on!" Madison is euphorically happy. Months pass, they find themselves donning blue caps and gowns. Months pass, they've been apart for too long. Months pass, Madison is running out to her driveway barefoot as his car turns in, with a backseat full of boxes. Months pass, Cole holds her as her entire world is turned upside down. He does not leave her side. Months pass, they live together now. Sunny palm trees flickering shade through their windows. They argue over the difference between eggshell and cream paint. Months pass, Cole gets her the dog she's always wanted. Months pass, Cole begins designing the ring. May 22nd, 2025. Cole receives it. Anxiety sets in. He's going to lose it or ruin the surprise. He texts his friend, "That photographer friend of yours that we're meeting Saturday. Can I use him for something?" May 24th, 2025. They are taking photos on the beach today. Madison jumps in the shower. Cole peeks his head in, "Do you need anything from the store?" He is restless. She stares at him, "I just went yesterday." He never goes to the grocery store on Saturdays. He leaves... She pulls out every exfoliator she owns. She cannot feel her hands as they arrive. She does not want to get her hopes up. They take photos. The photographer has her turn around to get a back-to-back photo. Then she hears it. A gentle voice, "Madison..." She turns around. And looks down.