Ben and Claire would video chat several times per week and they looked forward to talking with each other. They were there to offer emotional support to each other, and to share their college experiences with their best friend. They even discussed the possibility of Ben transferring to the same college as Claire so they could share expenses and cut down on some living costs.

When they both got home in mid-May, they were thrilled to see each other in person again and greeted each other with a long, sincere hug bypassing their parents who became second and third in line for an embrace. Instead of dining with their parents,...