Gabriel grew up on a sheep and cattle farm next to the River Shannon in Dowra, County Leitrim, Ireland. Erin grew up in a 90's housing development that was constructed on a former cow and horse farm next to the River Raritan in Bradley Gardens, County Somerset, United States of America.

Like all neurotic romantics, Erin had a clear vision of how she would meet her future husband. The details were bizarre and strongly influenced by multiple crushes on Disney Channel Original Movie characters, but most importantly, they would spot each other and because he just KNEW right away when he spotted her, "I'm a Believer" from Shrek would start playing from somewhere. He would say to her, " I knew it was you the moment I saw you."

Thankfully, this is not quite how things panned out and Erin's expectations were a far cry from this earnest and strangely specific vision in October 2021. She recently had resolved to take a break from dating and made a totally feminist resolution to just focus on school, when she serendipitously found herself out one night as the door swung open and a tall guy with curly hair stormed in and ordered a drink.

He looked like he was on a mission. He must've sensed that she was looking at him, because he turned, and when he saw her, smiled widely. Erin was taken aback at the warm welcome. Gabriel charged over and asked if she wanted a Guinness, and the two began to talk. In the loud bar, Erin kept awkwardly saying "what" and then apologizing for saying what. She was sure this guy would be so annoyed that she wasn't able to communicate flawlessly, and figured he probably wasn't interested.

Then, as if on cue, a stocky bearded man in the corner began fumbling with the mic, as the feedback and static crunch from his hairy knuckles made it further impossible for them to communicate. The bearded man then announced that the weekly Quizzo was starting. Erin saw an opportunity and suggested they join in. Gabriel amiably agreed.

As the quiz went on, Erin scribbled down the answers to every topic, except the sports questions, obviously, furiously and Gabriel made jokes and doodled in the margins. The duo came in 3rd. Gabriel told Erin she was smart. Erin told Gabriel he had nice eyes.

Too soon, it was time to leave. As they got up, Erin apologized for not being able to understand everything. Gabriel responded, "I think we understand each other just fine."

Gabriel and Erin started to date. One day, Gabriel made a confession. He said, "I knew you were the one the second I saw you." So that's why he had smiled. That long ago ideal Erin had of someone knowing you were enough, right away, had shown up after all.

That May, Gabriel took Erin to Ireland to meet his family and see his home for the first time. Erin awkwardly cried when she saw the farm on the River Shannon, because it was exactly like she pictured, but even more beautiful. It also oddly reminded her of her own home. Things didn't come full circle, however, til a few days later, when the two went to Temple Bar in Dublin. When Gabriel and Erin stepped into the bar, "I'm a Believer" from Shrek started to play. Loudly.

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