I Will Always Write Back

Two hours after Caitlin’s mother receives the call about Martin’s full scholarship to Villanova, Caitlin and her mother receive another call from the US embassy in Zimbabwe. Martin has called from Rebecca’s phone to tell them the good news, which they already know. They rejoice. Caitlin’s mother asks to speak with Rebecca, in order to coordinate what they might need to prepare Martin’s visa to the US. The next day, Caitlin’s mother books Martin a one-way flight to Philadelphia, just days before he is to start his fall semester at Villanova.

Martin tells Tecla and Phanuel the news of his acceptance to Villanova and leaves for Mutare, in order to share the news with his family. His family celebrates his achievement. His mother says to him, “We’re very happy for you, Martin. You have made your poor parents so proud” (364). As Martin prepares for his journey to the US, he buys the cheapest tickets available with the money that Caitlin’s mother has sent him and offers the rest to his family to use. Martin’s mother insists that he keep the money for himself. The family says a tearful goodbye to Martin, as they all know that it will be a while before he returns.

Martin returns to Victoria Falls to wait for the plane ticket from Caitlin’s mother to arrive in the mail. When the ticket does not arrive by the anticipated date, he has nightmares about being back in Chigodora and the roof crashing in on him. Tecla sets up a meeting between him and a prophet to assess his circumstances. While Martin does not wholly believe in the traditional practices of Zimbabwean prophets, he recognizes their cultural significance in his community. He agrees to see the prophet. When the prophet arrives, he takes Martin’s hand, chants, and starts shaking. When he regains composure, he tells Martin that his mother’s sister, his aunt, has put a hex on him, which is why the tickets are delayed. They pray to break the hex. After the prophet’s visit, Martin begins to sleep more soundly.

Caitlin’s family has sent Martin’s one-way ticket to the US through FedEx, which had a 48-hour guarantee for delivery. However, they find out that the guarantee does not extend to packages to Africa. Over the phone, Caitlin’s mother argues with the consolidator who she purchased the ticket from, demanding that there be a way for them to reissue the ticket for Martin at the airport. However, she does not have any success in the matter. She has also called Villanova to let them know that Martin may not make it to the university in time. They tell her that if he does not come in time, he will have to enroll in January. Caitlin’s father intervenes and says he will make a few calls. He tells Caitlin’s mother to advise Martin to head to the airport.

Three hours before Martin’s flight is to depart, he receives a call from Caitlin’s mother, who tells him that they are still trying to figure out his flight issue. Tearfully, Martin hands the phone to Tecla and Phanuel, who continue to talk to Caitlin’s mother while Martin cries in his room. He is devastated that he may not have the chance to go to the US after all his efforts. Ten minutes later, Tecla and Phanuel come to his room and tell him to pack all his things, as they are going to the airport immediately. Caitlin’s mother has given them instructions to take Martin to the airport. With an hour left before his flight, they head to the manager’s office at British Airways. At the office, the manager tells them that she is on the phone with Caitlin’s father, Martin’s “American father” (371). Finally, a ticket is issued to Martin and he boards his flight to Johannesburg minutes later.

As the flight to Johannesburg is the first time Martin has been on a plane, he is nervous. When the plane lands, he does not know how to get to a connecting flight. Fortunately, he finds someone who is on their way to the same flight to Paris. Martin follows the person to the gate. His flight to Paris is a lot smoother. When he departs the plane in Paris, he asks a flight attendant to take him to his final flight to Philadelphia despite it being hours away. He does not want to risk getting lost.