In January of 2020, Jenn and Michael had been going about their normal routines, taking the train and subway to and from work every day. It was a particularly crowded day on the subway platform when they had their first encounter. Standing in her usual spot, Jenn asked a fellow coworker standing nearby how long he had been waiting for the delayed subway. Much to Jenn’s surprise, Michael, the stranger standing next to her, replied. Despite telling Michael she’d likely wait for the second subway to board to avoid the crowds, as soon as the first one arrived, Jenn rushed on. Michael did too. During the ride, they made frequent eye contact and exchanged smiles before getting lost in the sea of people at 34th Street.

It would be two days before they’d see each other on the train again. Encouraging her mother to move forward and farther into the train car, Jenn pointed out Michael to her, whispering, “That’s the guy!” When Jenn and Michael both separately got off the train and made their way to the subway platform, it was Jenn’s mother who noticed Michael looking back to see if Jenn was getting off too. Once again standing in her usual spot on the subway platform, Jenn was greeted by Michael when she arrived. Having their awkward encounter behind them, the two felt a little more comfortable to talk to each other on their commute into work. Before parting ways for the day, Michael nervously asked Jenn for her number and if she’d be interested in grabbing drinks sometime.

Fast forward to their first date when Michael and Jenn both realized fate had played a role in their chance meeting: Michael’s work schedule had recently changed and his train commute would soon come to an end with his move into the city. From that point forward, whenever they’d have a date night after work, one of them was always found waiting for the other on the platform because they could never time the trains just right to cross paths.