I Will Always Write Back

When Martin returns home for his first semester break, he is dismayed to discover that his mother has fallen ill with malaria. He and Nation decide to transport their mother to the nearest hospital, which is miles away. As she is too weak to walk, and they are unable to afford a taxi cab, they all decided to borrow a neighbor’s wheelbarrow and wheel her to the hospital. Once at the hospital, the nurse confirms that Martin’s mother has malaria and is severely dehydrated. The nurse states that the hospital cannot afford to provide the IV drip that will help hydrate Martin’s mother and advises the boys to buy the IV from a man selling it across the street. Fortunately, the boys are able to afford the IV due to Caitlin’s money. After receiving the IV drip and malaria medication, Martin’s mother’s health slowly starts to improve. When she is well enough to leave the hospital, Martin and Nation take her back to their home in the wheelbarrow once again.

At home, Martin receives word that there is another care package waiting for him at the post office. He is surprised to find a package from Caitlin’s mother filled with school supplies and a note explaining that the supplies have been donated by her students. Martin also finds a new pair of Fila sneakers that fit him perfectly, so he gives his old pair to Nation. There is also another pair of shoes for Simba. Martin also finds a packet of Tang in the package, which no one in his family has ever tasted before. They try it together and are surprised to find it tastes like soda without the fizz. Martin gives the rest of his Tang to his mother to drink as it contains Vitamin C and he insists that she needs it to be healthy again.