Scott was in a slump. It was understandable to feel down, in the midst of a pandemic. In his final semester at Columbia, he tried to will himself to keep studying and living life as normally as possible. As he trod toward Trader Joe’s from his apartment, he felt the desolation of a city still struggling. There were fewer people clogging the sidewalks, but those who remained looked grim and haggard. Some restaurants had gotten creative with outdoor seating, but many other storefronts were shuttered. He gave himself a mental pep talk. This wouldn’t be forever. He was young and handsome and had great friends. It was just as his thoughts turned more positive that he saw her - a beautiful young woman around his age, cheerful, glowing, and buoyant.