i love you all the muches for all the evers

It was a Sunday night in February. Kimayo was opening for Michael McArthur, an artist on tour up from Florida. The night before they performed in MA, and this night they were playing in NH at the well known Portsmouth Book and Bar. Earlier that week while working remotely at this same location, Ash noticed the list of upcoming performances. She had already planned a long hike for Sunday, and thought live music would be a great way to end her weekend. Going online she pre-purchased her ticket and did some research on the main performer. She took minimal notice of the opening act, "Kimayo". The room was filled, and co-owner of NH Music Collective, John McArthur, introduced the first performer. After welcoming Kimayo she stepped onto the stage. Looking out at the room, she locked eyes on a human she hadn't yet noticed. A magnetic, intense, visceral, knowing flooded her. Words escaped her, but she somehow knew in the core of her being, she was looking at her soulmate. On the other end of this connection, Ash was experiencing that same gravitational pull. It was a sense of instant attraction, she couldn't explain, like somehow they already knew each other. The butterflies were rustling inside the entire show and increasing with each not-so-subtle hint of interest from Kimayo. It was hard to ignore the intentional eye-contact as she introduced songs to the audience, highlighting her status as "single" and queer. Kimayo finished her set and took a seat at her housemates' table, which coincidentally placed her a mere three feet from Ash. Knowing nothing about her, Michael's concert ended and Kimayo made an uncharacteristic move. She walked right up to Ash, and after basic introductions she reached into her pocket. Placing a square piece of paper on the table she said, "I have two business cards left, and I want YOU to have this one. I really hope you stick around tonight." She slide the card stock in front of Ash, turned, and walked away. Ash was taken aback, flattered, excited, and nervous all at once. She had never hung out with an artist "after the show", and wasn't sure what to do. After about an hour, she noticed Kimayo still talking and decided to slip out, with plans to DM her on Instagram. Before she reached the door Kimayo called out, "Hey, are you leaving??" Turning back, Ash sat down at her table, unzipped her coat and replied, "Nahh, I'm sticking around." That night Ash and Kimayo walked around Portsmouth in the middle of winter until 4:30am. Oblivious to the time, it was the vehicles tossing the morning newspapers in front of businesses that made them realize how long they had been talking. Saying good-bye, they made plans to hang out again that evening. Both of them knew in a deep and indescribable way that this meeting was unique, magical, and ultimately divine. They only later realized that night was actually a New Moon - known spiritually as a time of new beginnings.