The story of Ray and I started in 2017 when we were freshman in college. As we had different majors we should have never crossed paths but life had other plans. I wouldn’t imagine a required course at Point Park University to learn about Pittsburgh would change our lives forever. Ray was (and still is) charming and outgoing. Very different from what I was used to. We would say hi in the halls, I would sneak him dining hall food, and he would show me his drawings in the computer lab. But what really solidified the start of it all was when I took his chained Dragon Ball Z wallet out of his back pocket and said proudly. “You stole my ID, it has my birthday!” Since that day if you saw one of us you knew the other was nearby. We finished freshman year but I had to return home to Puerto Rico. Knowing I wouldn’t return to Pittsburgh since I dropped out of school. Ray insisted that we try long distance anyway. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially with how much I have suffered from my mental health. I decided it was the best to part ways so I could heal and Ray could focus on completing his degree. I eventually moved back to PA and Ray was still my best friend through everything. Different life stages, different states, different towns. But that did not matter or stop us from trying to see each other. Planes, trains, buses and cars couldn’t keep us away. Ray mostly drove the 5 hours to see me. As I tried twice and crashed my car. That opened my eyes and heart. I can’t wait until I’m “No longer mentally ill to find love” I already have the love of my life with me. And he has always been. Since the all nighters doing my homework to the miles on the road we put in together. We don’t have to be perfect but we both want to grow and explore life with each other right by our sides.