Two less fish in the sea

Penelope’s version: Kong fell in love with me the first time he saw me. I was completely unaware of his existence until we were assigned in the same group for Biochem. “Kong, like King Kong”, I remember him saying. It never bothered me to have this handsome Asian pop in my dorm from time to time for a quick cappuccino with extra foam no sugar but a splash of honey, or a soy latte with exactly two pumps of pumpkin spice syrup stirred not shaken. Quickly after dental school started, my DeLonghi EC155 manual espresso machine could no longer entertain Kong’s absurd need for caffeinated drinks. Kong stands out anywhere, just like the coffee he orders: steamy hot, complicated, takes extra step to make, grows in you and you will never compromise for anything less. Kong and I became we.

Penelope and I met in the hot summer of 2014. It was later in our relationship did I learn that we were unbelievably different from each other. I learned about her goofiness, the eternal question of where did she leave her phone, her incurable fear for heights, insects, darkness, and most importantly, her impressive ability to get lost in almost anywhere. But those were not the things that mesmerized me most about her. It was her kind spirit and positivity towards all. She genuinely saw the light in all people, her willingness to forgive, and always allowing a second chance, even when she knows, they are at fault. Those are things, I am not always capable of seeing or doing for others. She was all my missing pieces to my whole. I would not be the person I am now, had I not met her. Thus, the chase began, some classes together, coffee encounters, acceptance to dental school, dates in between, and Penelope and I became we.