--- Chapter 1: It all started with leftover pizza 🍕--- The first time Kristen and Thea met in person was completely unplanned and, as it turns out, very on brand for their relationship. Kristen was in Seattle meeting a friend over pizza and somehow ended up with extra slices. On a whim, she texted Thea to ask if she wanted some. Thea had just finished dinner with her friends. A perfectly normal person might have said, “No thanks.” Thea is not that person. She said yes immediately. Kristen brought the pizza over and watched in amazement as Thea absolutely inhaled the slices like she hadn’t eaten in days. That was Kristen’s first impression: this woman is sweet, funny… and possibly a pizza monster. At the end of the night, they shared the softest, warmest hug, the kind that lingers just long enough to make you wonder if something important has just begun. ---Chapter 2: Camping, But Make It Medical Drama--- Soon after, they went on their first camping trip together with one of Thea’s close friends and her partner, whom Kristen was meeting for the very first time. Everything was going great. Beautiful scenery. Fresh air. Nature. Romance. Then at 2 AM… chaos. Kristen woke up in excruciating pain and was fully convinced she was either dying or starring in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy: Forest Edition. Thea immediately switched into superhero mode. In complete darkness, she somehow backed Kristen’s truck out of the way, which still had a tent set up in the truck bed… with Thea’s dog Summer inside. (Don’t worry. The dog was safe. Probably confused. But safe.) Their friends rushed Kristen to the hospital in their car. Kristen ended up needing emergency gallbladder surgery and was kept another night in the hospital for observation. That’s two nights Thea stayed in the hospital with Kristen. At that point Kristen thought: ✔️ Calm under pressure ✔️ Excellent nighttime driving skills ✔️ Willing to deal with unexpected organs being removed Yep. Definitely a keeper. ---Chapter 3: Camping Again Because We Clearly Learn Nothing--- Just one week later, because Thea believes strongly in emotional growth through repeated exposure, she convinced Kristen to go camping again. This time they drove four hours from Seattle to a stunning campsite with Summer (the now-famous “tent dog”) and their friend’s dog, Hacky. On the way, they stopped at a grocery store for firewood and ice. Kristen ran inside for what she insists was a very efficient 10 minutes. During those 10 minutes, Summer made history. She pooped in Kristen’s brand-new truck. Not a small accident. Not a subtle misunderstanding. A full, unforgettable situation. So there they were… cleaning literal sh*t together. Which, as it turns out, is a very accurate metaphor for relationships. Thankfully, the rest of the trip was magical. They had a private little beach, made pizza over an open fire (because apparently that’s their brand now), and enjoyed the most romantic getaway. Meanwhile, Hacky discovered he could swim, caught a live fish, and generously shared it with Summer, who had clearly already proven she brings her own surprises. ---Chapter 4: Still Laughing, Still Camping, Still in Love--- From leftover pizza and midnight medical emergencies to truck disasters and seaside sunsets, Kristen and Thea’s story has always been equal parts romance, resilience, and ridiculousness. They learned early that life together would be messy, surprising, and very funny, but also deeply loving. And through every slice of pizza, every crisis, and every wild camping trip… they kept choosing each other.