Five things about new romeo & juliet

An Italian couple has become known as the Romeo and Juliet of the lockdown. In true Shakespearean style, their story began on their respective balconies. And it was in Verona — the same city in which Romeo and Juliet took place. But this love story does not have a tragic end: six months after they met from afar, the sweethearts are engaged.

1 What light through yonder balcony breaks

Michele D’alpaos, 38, first laid eyes on Paola Agnelli, 40, in mid- March when she walked out on her balcony across from his. “I was immediately struck by the beauty of this girl,” D’alpaos said. “I had to know her.” A few minutes later, Agnelli caught D’alpaos’ gaze. “It was a magical moment,” she said. “I immediately thought, ‘ What a beautiful boy.’”

2 Borrow Cupid’s wings

It just so happened that D’alpaos’ sister knew Agnelli and gave him her name. “I saw that she had an Instagram profile, but I didn’t,” d’alpaos said. “In five minutes, I created an account.”

3 Silver- sweet lovers’ tongues by night

They started texting until 3 a. m. Their connection was immediate, Agnelli said, but for 10 weeks, the relationship was confined to phone calls and cross- balcony flirtation. From a distance, the couple got to know each other, and learned they share similar values.

4 The more I give to thee

Barred from stepping closer than 200 metres to her, a smitten D’alpaos sent multiple bouquets of flowers, then hung a bedsheet with “Paola” emblazoned in big bubble letters from his apartment. That drew local news and social media, and the couple became known as the modern- day Romeo and Juliet.

5 Thus from my lips

They finally met in early May, at a local park, and at long last, removed their masks for a kiss. By July, they had met each other’s families, and began discussing spending the rest of their lives together. As a nod to their fated first encounter, “it would be a dream to be able to do the wedding ceremony on the terrace of my building,” D’alpaos said.