Our story began on a crisp Christmas evening in downtown Indianapolis, right on Monument Circle. Herschel was there with his friends, goofing around with an improvised version of "Impractical Jokers." It was one of those spontaneous, carefree moments that seem unimportant at the time but end up changing your life. His friends approached my friends and me, and although Herschel and I didn’t talk much that night, I couldn’t help but find his quirky antics both strange and amusing. Months passed, and our paths crossed several times. I saw him as a funny, if somewhat strange, friend. But eventually, everything changed. I had jokingly told him, "Take me on a gondola ride so I know it’s real." To my surprise, he took the joke seriously. He planned a beautiful gondola ride, and it was on this magical day that he asked me to be his girlfriend. It was a gesture so genuine and sweet that I couldn’t help but say yes. Our journey together continued through the ups and downs of college life. We supported each other through late-night study sessions and celebrated each other's achievements. As we stepped into the next chapter of our lives, we bought our first home together. It wasn't just a house; it was a sanctuary for us and our beloved cats, who we consider our children. Sadly, we experienced the heartache of losing one of them, a loss that brought us even closer. Our relationship flourished as we discovered shared passions. We love gaming, exploring new restaurants, and spending lazy days watching cheesy teen dramas. Our "rot days" have become a cherished tradition, filled with laughter and comfort as we binge-watch our favorite shows, surrounded by our feline family. Before the gondola was the yoyo trick. Despite seeing Herschel as just a friend for months, everything shifted when he confidently declared, "If I do a yoyo trick to impress you, you owe me a kiss." He performed a pretty kick-ass yoyo trick, and though I was still hesitant, I kissed him. That kiss was the spark that ignited the deep, enduring love we share today. From that kiss onward, our love story unfolded with a blend of humor, tenderness, and resilience. Through every challenge and every joy, we've grown stronger together. Herschel, with his quirky charm and unwavering devotion, has shown me the true meaning of love. Our journey continues, filled with dreams of the future and memories of our beautiful past. Our love story is a testament to the magic that happens when you least expect it—a Christmas encounter that turned into a lifelong adventure.