During the Covid pandemic, amidst the necessity of staying at home, love blossomed through a screen for Colin and Tracy, specifically on Hinge. Tracy was intrigued when Colin liked several of her photos, and the feeling was mutual as they matched. After a week of engaging chats and exchanging numbers, coinciding with the gradual reopening of the world under restrictions, Colin took the initiative to ask Tracy on a socially distant date. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in July 2020, they arranged to meet at Belmont Lakeshore. They spent the day talking and decided to pick up takeout from Crisp to enjoy by the lake. Time flew by unnoticed as they savored each other's company for hours. As the evening drew to a close, Colin gallantly helped Tracy to her feet and drew her in for a kiss—a fitting end to their first date, which had also included some delightful boba to cap off the evening. From that memorable day onward, their relationship flourished, marking the beginning of their shared history together.

After four years of dating, including two years living together, conversations about the future were inevitable for Tracy and Colin. Tracy, who dislikes surprises and has a knack for ruining Christmas presents, had been eagerly investigating Colin's intentions regarding a proposal. Despite her efforts, Colin remained resolute and adept at deflecting her inquiries. One ordinary Thursday, both working from home as they enjoy being workmates, Tracy's anticipation peaked. It had been a month since the first hints of a proposal, and she couldn't shake the suspense. On July 11th, a day like any other, Colin casually asked Tracy if there was anything they needed from the store. Tracy, unaware that the ring was ready and thinking Colin was merely running errands, requested lunch as well. Upon Colin's return home, Tracy, on her lunch break, noticed his unusually joyful demeanor and asked if everything was alright. Ignoring her, Colin insisted she join him at the window, claiming there was something she had to see. Confused and pressed for time, Tracy hurried to the living room, expecting some spectacle outside their 29th-floor window. Instead, Colin surprised her by kneeling down with a ring in hand. In utter shock, Tracy could barely speak but managed to nod and say yes. They embraced tightly, shared a kiss, and Colin slipped the perfectly fit ring onto Tracy's finger. Still reeling from the proposal, Tracy, in awe of the ring, still proceeded to ask, “but wait what was happening outside?”