Tally and Kai, Week 9 - November
923 Words
Tally,
Thanks again for joining me at the library this weekend. I guess it’s not really the most romantic date destination in the world, but I had fun, and the ice cream afterwards was nice, too. Along with, you know, the “kissing practice.” (Any notes, by the way? Constructive criticism is encouraged.)
I know that pretty much every resource we found advised against traveling to Somalia, but I can’t shake the idea of it from my mind. Ever since I submitted my college applications (my mom encouraged me to do all early admissions), I’ve had this nagging feeling that it’s not right for me—college, I mean. At least, not yet.
It would probably break her heart to hear that, so I haven’t ever said that to her—or really to anyone, for that matter. I didn’t see a point, anyway, because there’s nothing else I’d rather do, you know? I don’t particularly want to get a job at the local pizza joint, or shoe store, or whatever people do instead of going to college.
(That just sounded kind of privileged and judgy, didn’t it? Sorry about that.)
Anyway, this Somalia thing is the first thing that’s really got my wheels turning as Another Option. I don’t know exactly what I’d do, or how I’d make money, or, you know, how I wouldn’t get murdered by street gangs or terrorists or whatever.
But something in me is telling me I’m meant to go there when I graduate, instead of college. If only for a little while.
What do you think?
Yours,
Kai
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Kai,
No constructive criticism is needed on the kissing practice. Other than, you know, you should keep practicing, because practice makes perfect.
The rest of your letter, I found a little more concerning.
We did read the same articles and books, right? The ones that said “Do NOT Travel to Somalia Due to COVID-19, Crime, Terrorism, Civil Unrest, Health Issues…” and so much more that I can’t even remember?
I’m sorry I ever suggested it—really, I am. I totally understand the appeal, and the desire to discover your roots, and all of that. But it’s not worth risking your life, Kai.
Maybe we could find a group here in Granger, or at least in New York, that’s full of Somalian immigrants? Maybe you could ask them about their heritage, and learn from them? Maybe you could even just ask your mom for stories and photographs?
Tally
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Tally,
I guess it is a little crazy, and maybe a little stupid. I would obviously need to do more research—maybe pick a part of the country that’s safer, and form a really detailed plan. Also, hopefully the COVID thing won’t be an issue by then.
(I know, I know. We’ve been hoping that for two years now.)
Let’s just pretend I didn’t say anything for now, okay? I promise not to be stupid about it. I’ll keep doing my research on my own, because I can tell this upsets you, and that’s the last thing I want.
On a brighter note, the weather is supposed to be beautiful on Saturday, and I know of a great beach volleyball spot. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two about the sport I know pretty much the least about?
Yours,
Kai
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Kai,
Do the independent research if you want, but please promise me you won’t make any decisions without talking to me first, so that I can convince you it’s a bad idea. Okay?
Volleyball Saturday sounds nice. I think I know the court you’re talking about. There’s a really great seafood place nearby. I’ve never been big into seafood, but Mem is obsessed, and she managed to get me to like lobster. How do you feel about that?
Also, just to put this out there, my little brother Barker, who’s 15 and goes to Lancaster, likes to play volleyball, too. He’s kind of an i***t, but I’m sure he’d love to tag along.
I also enjoy forcing Bridget to play, since she isn’t all that good at it, which is very rare for her (to not be good at something). And I’m a bit worried about her lately, as she’s gotten quiet, which is also rare for her.
Maybe we could do the volleyball with those two, and the seafood with just the two of us?
Tally
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Tally,
I would love to invite Bridget and Barker. Does Barker know about us?
Also, what exactly is there to know about us? Maybe we should discuss this over seafood. As I’ve told you before, I don’t exactly have much experience with girls, so when one tells me she wants to help me “practice kissing,” I’m not entirely sure whether that’s her way of saying she wants to be my girlfriend, or just a humanitarian act of kindness.
Looking forward to tomorrow,
Kai
P.S.: Barker and Talliope? Your parents sure got creative with their baby names. Do I want to know your older brother’s name?
- Writer
