Monday, October 11, 2021, was a beautifully serendipitous day.

Alyssa didn’t expect to attend the 125th running of the Boston Marathon, which was moved to October due to COVID. That same night, the Tampa Bay Rays were in town to play the Boston Red Sox in what would be a potential Division Series-clinching game for the Sox. After enjoying the Marathon, Alyssa decided with her friend, Julia, to get last-minute tickets to the game. Alyssa and Julia planned to meet up with an old friend from college for a drink before heading into the game. What happened next would be beautifully serendipitous.

Zach didn’t expect to watch the 125th running of the Boston Marathon on TV at home, wishing he was standing on Boylston Street to witness history. That same night, Zach’s new friend from work invited him to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox play the Rays from a bar called the Bullpen. Zach’s friend invited a girl he knew from college and her friend to join them for drinks before the game started. What happened next would be beautifully serendipitous.

As it turns out, Alyssa’s old friend from college, and Zach’s new friend from work, were the same person. Zach looked up toward the entrance and saw a cute brunette in a Red Sox hat, and her eyes were smiling as much as her lips. Alyssa looked down and saw a cute brunette in a flannel shirt, and his hair was flowing as much as his beard.

After exchanging a few beers and even fewer sentences, Alyssa headed out to her seat near the Pesky Pole, and Zach headed back to the bar to watch the game and have pesky thoughts. Zach thought, “How will I see this girl again?” The game couldn’t end fast enough. The Red Sox won on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th, and it felt beautifully serendipitous.

After the game, Zach and Alyssa reunited at the Bleacher Bar. They hit it off even better than the Sox did that night, and have been inseparable ever since. 535 days later, Alyssa and Zach attended the Red Sox Opening Day game together. 18 days later, Alyssa and Zach attended the 127th running of the Boston Marathon together.

On Monday, October 11, 2021, neither Alyssa nor Zach knew that they were already creating their own traditions together, traditions that will now and forever be beautifully serendipitous.