It was the summer of COVID when the world was slowly reopening that brought Lauren and Ryan back to their respective apartments in Chicago. They had both spent the past three months living at their parents’ homes in Columbus. Little did they know, this homecoming would be the beginning of a beautiful love story. Their journey began on a Thursday evening at a co-ed volleyball league. Ryan, doing a favor for his friend Pat, filled in for an absent teammate. Confident in his athleticism, he assumed he would hold his own on the court. Lauren, on the other hand, was a seasoned member of the team. As Ryan and Pat pedaled their way to the match on their trusty Divvy bikes, Lauren zoomed by them on her own Divvy. Pat pointed to her and exclaimed, “There goes Lauren! She's on our volleyball team!" Ryan's anticipation for the match soared, realizing he now had an audience to impress. Unfortunately, the match didn't go quite as planned for Ryan. Having not played for years, he soon discovered his overconfidence was misplaced. Every attempt seemed to fall flat as the failed spikes and missed serves accumulated, squandering away their chance at victory. Yet, amidst the struggle, his eyes involuntarily gravitated towards Lauren, hoping to catch her attention with a warm and endearing smile. While victory eluded them on the volleyball court, the team enjoyed the Chicago evening, sharing laughs over Ryan's mishaps with a few well-deserved beers. As the night drew to a close, they headed their separate ways. However, within Ryan, a special feeling began to stir, a feeling that there was something remarkable about Lauren and the instant attraction he felt that night on the volleyball court. The next day, Ryan mustered up the courage to ask Lauren out on a date in exchange for tennis lessons. Hesitant at first, Lauren accepted his proposition, but not before making Ryan anxiously wait hours before responding. Finally, the day arrived that would forever alter the course of their lives. Ryan and Lauren met at Eduardo's Enoteca, a cozy Italian restaurant known for its delicious pasta and charming outdoor atmosphere. The evening flowed effortlessly, and their connection was undeniable. The following week cemented their relationship. On Monday, Ryan cashed in his tennis lessons from Lauren followed by a plunge into the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan—a Chicago summer tradition they both loved. On Tuesday, they found themselves sharing a picnic and practicing yoga in the middle of Lincoln Park. By Thursday, they rendezvoused once again at a local watering hole, indulging in an evening of dinner and drinks as though they knew each other their whole lives. With each passing moment, their bond grew stronger, and by the end of the week, they realized their paths had crossed for a reason—to bring joy, laughter, and unwavering companionship into each other's lives.