Rory, in her pajamas, meets CNN journalist and her idol Christiane Amanpour. Although Lorelai and Rory have planned a crazy roller coaster tour for the summer, Rory must postpone their trip when she gets a surprise job offer to cover Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for an online magazine in Eldridge, Iowa. She must leave in three days for possibly two years, breaking the hearts of all the townspeople looking forward to her graduation re-enactment in a week. Luke enlists the help of everyone in Stars Hollow to throw Rory a surprise bon voyage party. Also, Lorelai is staying maniacally busy to keep from showing how saddened she is, but finally admits she is worried that if she stops to think about Rory leaving then she might fall apart. Also, Lane consoles Rory when she has a panic attack about leaving everyone and everything she loves behind. When Babette has a premonition (via her ankles) of a huge rainstorm, Luke stays up all night sewing a tent to keep Rory’s outdoor party covered from the downpour. His thoughtfulness brings an unexpected reaction from Lorelai, allowing the two to star a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, Emily is pleased when Lorelai decides to continue the Friday night dinners without Rory. Finally, on the morning that Rory leaves Stars Hollow to start her career, Luke opens the diner before dawn to share a special breakfast with the Gilmore girls.