We both wanted to be asleep, but somehow Max convinced David to come after work when he'd have to be up early the next day, and Nia and Nuria encouraged Ava to stay up late past her usual grandma bedtime. David may have slept through most of the movie, but here we are 5 years later, celebrating our marriage.

Very early on there was a spark and genuine connection. David offered Ava a spare TV for the dorm (which has now been cycled through the dorm and two apartments) and was a reliable friend, coming in clutch to provide rides to the grocery store and McDonald's; Ava had the campus hangout spot and snacks. Late-night study sessions at the library led to a first date at Johnny Rockets at the mall. A month later, the friendship blossomed into a "special" friendship. A few holidays together, a pandemic, 5 years of graduate school, and two cats later, the relationship has stood the test of time, stress, and distance.