The Pen Pal Arrival

Keiko and Yusuf have written letters to each other for exactly two years. It started as a class project between their two schools, one in Japan and one abroad. Neither of them expected it to turn into something so important. Over time, their letters grew longer. They covered favorite foods, worries about exams, and small jokes only the two of them understood.

Today, Yusuf's exchange program finally brings him to Keiko's city for a full semester. Keiko waits at the arrivals gate, holding a small handwritten sign with his name on it. Her hands feel colder than the airport actually is. She has practiced what to say a dozen times on the train ride over. Now every word has disappeared from her head.

When Yusuf walks through the doors, he looks exactly like his photos, though somehow taller than she imagined. For a second, neither of them says anything. Two years of letters suddenly feel strange next to an actual, real person. Around them, other families hug and call out names, but Keiko and Yusuf just stand there, smiling awkwardly.

"I brought something," Yusuf says finally, pulling a small notebook from his bag. It's full of every letter Keiko has ever sent him, printed and kept together. Keiko laughs, surprised, and admits she has saved every one of his too. She keeps them in a box under her bed.

They walk out of the airport together, talking faster than either letter ever allowed. If the semester goes well, Yusuf might apply to study here again next year. For now, though, they just have three months. Neither of them plans to waste a single week of it. Keiko already has a list of places she wants to show him.