We met in middle school at JMC. It was an ordinary beginning—shared classrooms, familiar hallways, and conversations that came and went. Ricardo and I were friends, talking here and there, never imagining the significance those early days would one day hold. When it came time for high school, our paths changed. Life moved forward, as it does, and we slowly drifted apart.

Years later, our paths crossed again. As we reconnected, Ricardo shared that he had always carried a quiet crush from our middle school days. Soon after, he asked me out to sushi—our first date, simple and effortless. From that evening on, everything fell into place.

On May 8, 2023, Ricardo told me he loved me in a way I hadn’t expected. That night, the moon hung low and full. He said, “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” Which is a quiet, poetic Japanese phrase that means I love you. Under that light, it felt simple, certain, and unforgettable.

On June 8, 2023, we were at a local Korean BBQ when Ricardo asked me to be his girlfriend. It was simple, quiet, and felt completely right.

On March 1, 2024, we rented our first apartment and began living together. The quiet rhythm of daily life—arranging our things, sharing a space—made it feel like home in a way that would stay with us.

We rescued a Jack Russell–Fox Terrier mix named Firulais. At first, we hesitated, unsure if we were ready, but it quickly became clear that he was meant to be part of our lives. Smart, loving, and full of energy, he has brought a new kind of joy and warmth to our home.

On May 2, 2025, at Sarasota Bayfront Park, Ricardo proposed. The sunset bathed the sky in gold and pink, rose petals scattered around us, and a simple sign read “Marry Me.” The quiet of the park and the beauty of the evening made it a moment that will always feel unforgettable.