In 2004, while at the University of Adelaide, I began editing an anthology and connected with a writer named Sam. Though we communicated via email, we had never met face-to-face until I spotted him one night out. A bit tipsy, I approached him and whimsically recited lines from his story, which surprisingly seemed to flatter him. As the night unfolded, he hopped into my taxi and followed me home, where we chatted for hours.
Our relationship blossomed casually, despite Sam’s initial plans to move to Europe. When he decided to stay, I sensed he had feelings for me as well. After a year of dating, I encouraged him to consider the relationship’s seriousness. He eventually proposed moving in with me and my brother to test our compatibility.
In 2006, after Sam proposed, we embarked on a European adventure. About 10 weeks in, I expressed my homesickness and concern about our time together. To ease my worries, Sam playfully impersonated his ocker Aussie cousin, making me laugh and revealing his willingness to adapt for my happiness. This moment reassured me of his support and creativity, teaching me that while one person can’t be your whole world, his genuine love meant everything to me.