1995.

Toronto.

I meet her on the corner of Yonge and Carleton.

I like her fuzzy gray sweater.

We go to see Total Eclipse. I realize copious amounts of Leonardo DiCaprio-on-David Thewlis sex make it less-than-perfect as a first date movie.

We go to the Living Well. We have coffee and dessert.

I take her back to her place, a run-down rooming house on Bathurst.

We talk for a while.

I go home.

I come to the conclusion she hates me.

Three days pass.

I play Sega Hockey with my roommate.

The phone rings.

I answer the phone.

I hear her say she had a really nice time and would like to do it again.

I have not — nor ever will — let go of her since.

She was my Awesome Girlfriend.

She is now my Lovely Wife.

Happy 14 Years, Sweetie. I love you.

“beth at peggy’s cove, part two”

“beth at peggy’s cove, part one”