We met in a figure drawing class in fall 2013. Since both of us were finishing our associates of fine arts at St. Louis community college, we practically had all the same classes. As the fall semester progressed, we competed for the top artist in most of our classes. While Erica had a mastery of the figure, Eric was outstanding in design and sculpture. We helped each other with every project, through every semester, even when Erica moved 500 miles away to finish her BFA In Milwaukee. We were in love from the moment we met. We loved each other because of the talent we saw in each other, as competitors and collaborators, as people working, going to school, and supporting our families. Our respect and love for each other was the deepest we’d ever felt before. By our second date we knew we would be in love for better or for worse, richer or poorer, for the rest of our lives.