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Sam was sharing a round with friends, when he took a call from his mom, Robyn. She said that she had a lump, and it was cancer. The world melted away. Sam's mom assured him that she'd be okay. She had just taken a job in Los Angeles, and didn't know a lot of people in the city. But he shouldn't worry; she'd find a way. Shortly after, Sam was driving cross-country to live with her in California. It was the best decision of his life. India had been Sam's friend at Goucher, but she became more than that when he was on the west coast. She made him feel less alone. India checked in on him often - was a great listener on tough days and playful on better ones. They traded indie albums, which may have been the only time in history that India put up with Sam's taste in music. Robyn was declared cancer-free in December, and Sam drove back east. In a tiny Utah hotel room, with thick snowflakes floating outside, he had enough wifi signal to call India for a quick chat. Seven hours later, India and Sam finally expressed their feelings for each other. Their first date was filled with art, books, easy laughs, great kisses, and stomach butterflies. Sam won't say that he knew it was love, but he did take notice when India pointed out a blue jay.

India doesn't remember exactly how they met but it happened between parties and a communications class. The latter really kicked off their friendship, thanks to Pitchin' Tents, a camping club they founded for a class project. Though they were both dating other people, she remembers brief moments in class where she would stare aimlessly at Sam, noticing how cute he was. Sam graduated the year before India and their friendship lapsed for a while. During her senior year, they reconnected after Sam posted on Facebook that he was moving to LA for a few months to help care for his mother while she went through cancer treatment. Having gone through a similar experience where her own mother had beat ovarian cancer, India reached out to let Sam know she was there for him. They continued to chat over the next few months. They talked constantly, sharing funny Internet memes and music. Eventually, Sam's mom was declared cancer-free and he got ready to drive back to Baltimore. At this point, India began to wonder if Sam had feelings for her, not being quite sure herself. It was during one late-night in a dingy Utah hotel that all was revealed. What started out as an innocent video chat turned into a seven-hour discussion. Halfway through, at about 1 am India casually mentioned that she *liked* Sam and he simply responded with his characteristic hobbit-worthy grin and said he liked her too. After going to sleep at about 5 am, Sam drove back to Maryland with some difficulty later on (seriously, it's a miracle he didn't crash). A few months later, they went on their first date in NYC, which was a truly perfect day that involved spotting a blue jay at the same time and an electrifying kiss on a sidewalk. The rest just sort of fell together. When you meet someone you can make dino noises with and also share heartfelt discussions, what else is there to do but fall in love?