From Friends Left Behind

Every time I've gotten on Gmail since I evacuated, our house sitter has called or tried to call me on Google Talk. He's usually accompanied by his cousin, sometimes by other guys. Today he asked me, "Do you want to see Charlie?" Surprisingly, I did. Charlie was chilling on the mufraj a few feet away from the computer and did not jump to see me. He must have been unimpressed by the computer screen and sound of my voice.

The guys asked me about my current location and assured me that everything is "calm" where they are. "We want you to come back," they said. "We will attract you with our news."

When I was trying to do e-mail this afternoon, three of my students were online and messaged me. "We miss you so much," was their tone. I threatened to save their "missing" messages for when I am back and they don't like the homework I give them. They didn't like that idea, but of course they deserve it.