After a long 30-day work detail in the desert of El Paso, I decided to go out to my favorite annual party to celebrate my newfound singleness and self-transformation. Brayland approached me during the party, and we danced together to a few songs. We exchanged IG handles and went our separate ways. The next day I remembered that I exchanged info with him and decided to check out his page. Not even gonna lie...I didn't remember what he looked like, so I needed to research before he contacted me. I reached out and we scheduled to meet up at another party with our mutual friend. We've been inseparable ever since.

Fresh off the Covid mandate order to stay indoors, I was finally given liberty from my Navy leadership to go and see the new destination I've PCS'd (military slang for Permanent Change of Station) to. My cousins who lived locally, reached out to invite me to their get together, where I also met Naeem, who took me under his wing and showed me the culture of D.C. A week later, June 26th, 2021, was my first night going out into DC, where Naeem took me out to a Soca party, that's where I met Erin. I remember she was still wearing a mask but looked beautiful and mysterious to me. Because we were at a Soca party, I assumed that she was exotic and from the Caribbean or one of the many other countries and nationalities that were represented at that party. We danced to a couple of songs then I gave her my Instagram and left the choice to her to hit me up. Luckily, she did message me the next day to my surprise, I quickly sobered up and put on the charm. I did also tell her my first thought when I saw her, assuming her nationality, I asked her "Where are you from?" She replied proudly "I'm from PG County, Born and raised!" I busted out laughing, explained to her my thinking and I quickly requested we'd meet up again. Since then we have been inseparable and deeply in love.