Six years ago, we both chose to study abroad, and Gold Coast, Australia quickly became more than just a destination to us. Somewhere between nights at Waxy’s Irish Pub and beach walks that always seemed to end at McDonald’s, that choice turned into something far bigger than either of us dreamt. After two months in Australia, we learned how to make the distance between Hegins, Pennsylvania, and Glen Ellyn, Illinois work. Countless FaceTimes, never missing a goodnight text, and more than a few Netflix watch-party nights later, we met again in Wrightsville Beach for our first time together in the States. Some might say it happened because Samantha hid her nice shoes in Jaden’s suitcase when they were forced home (thanks, COVID). We like to think it was the perfect start to forever.