It started out as a classic pandemic date.

He brought his bike but left it behind so we could go on a long walk.

Walking down the Don Valley Trail I slipped and fell in the mud. Perfect physical comedy. He helped me back up and we laughed it off. I continued on, covered in mud, while he rushed into a convenience store for some water to clean me off. Little did I know it would be the first of countless meandering walks through ravines, parks and side streets where we discovered hidden pockets of the city and a burgeoning love for one another.

Over time he has shown me a side of Toronto I had never seen and convinced me that the East end is the best, because it’s where he came from.

He learned how to roller skate because I love it. I discovered the joy of backcountry camping. Together we go rock climbing, enjoy live music, make frequent visits to the cinema, and go on long walks, of course. I don’t know if I would have elected to go through with my brain surgery if I didn’t know Dillon was standing by me.