While the spring of 2020 saw somewhat of a quieting around this planet, an unexpected but welcome song was yearning to be composed; seeds of love being planted, awaiting the opportune time to grow and blossom. During a March 2020 Dwarf Artist Coalition (DAC) AGM, a name caught Cuquis' attention: Kevin Berry. She had heard of his music through her friends in the organization, and she was even in a group photo with him at an SED/SEMD/Kneist meet and greet, but had never put a face to the name until that spring. Fast forward to the following DAC AGM in March of 2021. Cuquis, being a DAC co-chair, facilitated round robin check-ins with members to see how everyone was doing during the pandemic. When Kevin spoke about being in his first year of grad school for counseling, Cuquis became excited hearing that they were both navigating the same waters. The feeling was mutual, as Cuquis remembers Kevin's face lighting up when she then spoke of what she was learning. Two hours after the general meeting, Kevin sent Cuquis a Facebook Message asking about her theoretical orientation, what she enjoyed about counseling and if she wanted to continue the conversation over zoom, “with a glass of wine,” as he said. And so, this new duet began to be composed. With numerous and lengthy conversations over the next 6 months - under the canopy of "just friends" - both Cuquis and Kevin knew that love was blossoming. Their exchanges were a dance, balancing light-hearted banter with heartfelt discussions. Truly a melody of curiosity, laughter, vulnerability, and excitement. Finally, when Canada reopened its borders, Kevin set off on a journey down south on October 8th to visit Cuquis for the first time in person. Prior to that, Cuquis had gotten Kevin to express how he really felt about her, and the feeling was mutual. So it goes. Sparks flew when Cuquis saw Kevin for the first time in a seal onesie in her apartment lobby. October 8th, 2021 became the day they got together and continuously celebrate their monthaversary on that day. (Because who doesn’t like a good party?) To Cuquis, Kevin's venturesome spirit makes every encounter feel like an adventure waiting to unfold. To Kevin, Cuquis has this ability to draw out parts of him that are not always present, allowing him to live whole-heartedly. Together, they create a stunning duet that not only features solos but allows a supportive environment for improvisation and exploration. On the Summer Solstice of 2024, unbeknownst to Cuquis, Kevin planned a trip to Cuquis’ “safe place” in Portland, Maine to propose. The morning of, it was a beautiful sunrise, and Kevin got Cuquis up at 4:00am - far sooner than her usual rise time. The proposal went off without a hitch - as we know, she obviously said yes! Afterwards, they went for a 4.5 km / 3 mile hike in the 30-degree (90 F) heat; as they reached the pinnacle waterfall, they felt the sprinkle of little raindrops. In a matter of moments, it was a torrential downpour, where Cuquis, who normally despises the rain, embraced the moment as an adventure. Fast forward to October 20, 2024, when Kevin returned from work, Cuquis suggested they go to Telegraph Cove, one of Kevin's favorite spots to kayak. The tide was high, the sun was setting over the horizon toward the San Juan Islands, the fall leaves were falling and no one around. Their Cuquis surprised Kevin with a proposal and a custom engraved ring of the Hudson Bay Mountains and inlay of rock from his hometown, Smithers, BC. The seasons - whether it be the springtime thaw, the summer solstice, or crisp autumn - hold a myriad of teachings, and we humans are reflections of each and every season. As partners, Cuquis and Kevin know this deeply. They see each other wholly. All parts are welcome. And that is why these two people thrive as a couple. They embrace each other as individuals, traveling together through the ebbs and flows that are inevitable in life, writing their own musical masterpiece.