Melinda and John met as coworkers under the same office roof - Melinda, a QA analyst, and John, a software engineer. Beyond the occasional work-related meeting and shared table in the lunch room, the two never appeared more than friendly colleagues. After a few years of getting to know each other, Melinda and John started to hit it off. They found each other hanging out with the same friend group and enjoying the same hobbies/activities. It was a mutual feeling that they begin dating and they haven't looked back since. Two new jobs and one exceedingly cute cat later, they bought their first house in April 2018 in North Branford, CT. After a wild summer painting, furniture organizing, and many Home Depot visits, Melinda and John were happily settled into their new life together.

John had the whole thing planned out: a hike to the the picturesque peak of Sleeping Giant, their favorite local hiking spot. The very spot frequented by the couple and their group of friends for years. However, mother nature had different plans. In May of that year, New Haven county was hit with severe storms, even freak tornadoes! There was significant damage to the area in and around Sleeping Giant. Trees were downed, rocks had slid, and thus the park was closed indefinitely. John did not learn of these facts until the morning of their planned excursion. The two reached the park only to find the entrance closed off and fence wrapped in yellow caution tape. The couple was distraught by the sight of their old stomping grounds, brown and muddy instead of lush and green. Melinda suggested they take it as a sign, give up, and get some brunch. John needed a new plan, fast! He was done with waiting any longer. Thankfully, the two were able to find another hiking trail a couple of towns over at Tri Mountain State Park. They walked for a good while through some cool, calm woods. Finally, they decided to head back, and John knew it was time. He led Melinda through a small clearing over a hillside where they could just make out the lake below. "Look, a three headed monkey!" he exclaimed, pointing far off to the left. There's no way she'll buy that, he thought. She did. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to find the engagement ring in front of her, and John's wide smile above. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she yelled. “I mean, YES.” As John finally gasped for air the two laughed and embraced, knowing their future together would bring years of happiness and joy. On their return to the trail, a single inquisitive doe looked on - not 30 feet ahead. Had she watched the whole scene?