After my morning run, I hurriedly packed and was out the door before Mel even woke up. She did mumble a sleepy "see yah". And I was right on time, because just as I stepped out of the dorm with my stuff for the weekend, Dad pulled up in his little Mini Cooper. The bright red glowed in the early morning sunlight. I hopped in and we were on our way, back home.

I have yet to get my driver's license and take my permit test. I think most of the girls in my dorm have cars and/ or driver's licenses, plus all drive around for themselves and even brought their cars to college. The closest thing to a car that I have ever owned is my bike. But that has only two wheels and doesn't need gasoline, so its nothing like a car.

I told Dad about dorm life, Mel, Sarah and Cecilia, the "coffee shop", and about my classes. But I didn't say anything about the mysterious sandy-haired boy and the little strange stone he gave me. I was not sure if it would alarm him or not. Being a doctor, Dad took interest in things that puzzled him, and I, as his daughter, have received that same trait.

We had dinner at the usual restaurant near our house, a few minutes walk from our front door. I ordered a huge bowl of vegetable soup and a piece of bread to go along with it. The taste was almost nostalgic, after weeks of dorm food. Dad teasingly asked if I'd caught myself anyone special yet, and I glared back at him, as he laughed.

Now I'm back in my own room, with a box of stuff for tonight and tomorrow, since I am going back after lunch. Dad has a meeting in the afternoon and so he has to drop me off before then, or I wouldn't be able to get back in time to finish my homework. Good old homework. I left it all in the dorm, along with Mel. And the book.

But I did bring the little stone. This little fellow is now resting on a pile of tissues, which seems to be to his liking. And now, here I am, giving this stone a gender. Next I might even name it. Who knows. It's all round and smooth now, but when I took it out of my pocket, I swear it felt like konpeitou (a Japanese sugar candy). Which makes me hungry for those little sweets. Maybe I'll buy some at the Japanese market tomorrow. 

Signing off,

Naomi