Shelly came over. Samantha was supposed to show up too, and Emily said she’d be home, but neither of those things worked out, so it was just me and Shelly in my apartment for three hours. She finished her homework in record time, and I proofed it while she picked out a DVD to watch for the rest of the afternoon. She chose the first season of Full House, explaining she’d read a book based on it once. I wasn’t sure she liked it at first. She seemed uncomfortable on the couch – not sure how to sit, whether she could take off her coat, etc. I’ve never entertained, especially not a sixth grade immigrant I barely know. After okaying her homework, I slipped into the kitchen to make popcorn and pour twin glasses of cranberry grape juice. Having presented this peace offering, I curled up on the adjacent couch with my current book and peered over the pages to watch her progress. She liked the refreshments, laughed at the TV, and eventually took off her heavy coat. I felt content. Emily showed up around 5:30, banging the apartment door with her knees since she was carrying groceries. Half an hour later, a woman’s voice called, “Shelly!” outside and my guest started up, spinning around for her notebooks and book bag, “Thank you!” trailing toward me as she bolted out the door.
(Obviously I didn't eat the turkey pictured - the photo is by gracious host Janet W)
