I Will Always Write Back

Martin bids farewell to his friend, Wallace, who has been accepted to a university in the US. Martin gives Caitlin’s email address to Wallace and tells him to contact her when he arrives in the US so that he can have a friend in the new country.

When Martin returns home to Mutare during his August break, he helps Nation bring bags of used clothing to the markets to sell. He runs into his old friend, Peter, and tells him that he is on his way to pick up a passport to go to the US; Mr. Muzawazi has helped him make a call to the passport office to secure his appointment. When Martin arrives at the passport center early the next day, he is surprised to find the place nearly empty. He finds out later that it is difficult for many Zimbabweans to get a passport but with the help of Caitlin and Mr. Muzawazi, he is able to acquire one.

In his next letter to Caitlin, Martin reveals that he has decided to change his career path from medical sciences to actuarial science, as he has a passion and gift for numbers. Caitlin’s decision to transition from technical education to becoming a nurse has inspired him to pursue this new path. He wants her to know the new direction he is taking, as she and her family has been so generous in their support of his education and career ambitions.

When Caitlin starts her dual-degree program, Damon expresses his disapproval of her career pursuits. He suggests that she continue to waitress instead of continuing school. He has no desire to attend college and works at a furniture factory warehouse. Caitlin believes his attitude has to do with his family dynamic growing up. Damon’s parents married young and his mother performs every task that his father dictates. Caitlin does not want this life for herself. When she starts to study with another male classmate, Damon begins to grow jealous. On the night before an important psychology exam, she is studying intently when she receives several phone calls from Damon. After the fourth call, Caitlin picks up, concerned that something might be wrong. When Damon criticizes her for always studying, Caitlin snaps back, “I’m not going to argue with you about this. I have a test tomorrow. If you really loved me, you would want me to do well” (304). She aces her psychology exam the next day.

Martin successfully registers to take the SAT on December 7 in Harare. He also receives an email from Wallace saying that he has tried both Caitlin’s and her mother’s emails and has not been able to reach them. Martin immediately writes him back to let him know Caitlin’s mother’s email address again and to tell him about his SAT date.