It has been a busy month. While not as unpredictable as Day 1 of college, every day turns out to offer much more than I thought. The special gifts from professors (wow, more homework), the emails adding up to the to-do list, some new applications, and many more requests that could reshuffle (if not turn over) the daily schedule. Above all, my priorities were always messages and video chats from the other side of the world.

November 16th 12:00 a.m.

A week before Thanksgiving. Another day caught up with papers and projects. I usually worked at Andrews until midnight. I walked out of the overheated lounge and picked up my phone in the chilling yard. Thinking that this might be another short update, I planned to finish the call on the way back to my dorm. Our conversation started from new social circles to random encounters. We were constantly surprised by how new people and events shaped our minds. We always have more to say, just as the time when we spent the entire lunch break ranting on about whatever struck our lives.

November 16th 2:00 a.m.

Our talk usually lasted for an hour, but sometimes we got a bit more time to spare. I went up the stairs to hang out in the kitchen, walking back and forth to find a place that would not disturb others. Candid laughter and sincere advice kept me awake. It was that reassuring feeling of knowing that you would not be judged, and that it is fine to be the quirky, funny, childish kid throughout life.

We have a long call every week, and somehow have gotten closer even though we are thousands of miles apart. I look forward to knowing more about your crazy adventures and the cute boy you met, Elaine.