I Will Always Write Back

Caitlin is initially excited to house a German exchange student named Stephie in her home. When Stephie arrives, Caitlin is surprised to find that the exchange student is rude and refuses to abide by house rules. Stephie demands to know if there is a maid or nanny who can cook her food and do her laundry. Stephie’s refusal to join the family during their meals together is also a point of contention. All she wants to do is go shopping. When Stephie eventually leaves, Caitlin is relieved.

Meanwhile, Caitlin has not heard from Martin in a while, despite sending multiple letters and postcards. Finally, Caitlin’s mother is so concerned that she wires $100 to Martin through Western Union. She writes Martin an accompanying postcard explaining that the money is being wired to him and his family.

One day, Caitlin’s mother finally gets a call from Mr. Samupindi, who has finally received their letter. He says that Martin is the school’s brightest student and that if he does not finish his O-levels and pursue his A-levels, “he will rot and die in Zimbabwe” (196). Caitlin’s mother asks how they can help Martin stay in school and is given the amount of $80 US dollars to help with school fees. After the call with Mr. Samupindi, Caitlin and her mother decide to call Martin, to tell him the good news. Martin has said that in case of emergencies, they can call the post office in Sakubva and wait for him to receive the call.

One day, Martin is told he has a call waiting for him at the post office. When he arrives, he is surprised to hear Caitlin’s voice on the other end of the phone. She tells him that they have contacted Mr. Samupindi and that his exam fees are paid for, as well as the school fees of his siblings. Martin is so delighted that he tells Mr. Samupindi the news immediately. Mr. Samupindi tells him that Caitlin and her family have done a good deed that Martin should not take lightly. He encourages Martin to study hard.

Later, Martin and his family finally receive Caitlin’s mother’s wire transfer from Western Union. Martin is moved to know that other members of Caitlin’s family is also looking out for him and his family. He writes a long letter of gratitude to Caitlin and her family, explaining his family’s difficulty in making ends meet. Motivated by the generosity of Caitlin and her family, Martin starts to sneak into the Teachers’ College library again to study at night. He studies there until 3:00 am, falling asleep under the desks and waking up when sunlight comes into the library. He sneaks back home to eat breakfast before going to school. By the time the exam date arrives, Martin feels prepared.

Caitlin starts ninth grade at North Penn High School, where she studies multiple subjects. One of her favorite subjects is World Culture, as it permits her to learn more about southern Africa. She learns about the climate there and wonders if she should be sending ponchos, rain tarps, and water purification pills to Martin and his family. She also gets a job as a waitress at a pizzeria to earn enough money for recreational activities and to send money to Martin on her own, without relying on her parents.

Caitlin begins spending time at the mall on Fridays and weekends, as that is where she can find out about local parties. She makes a new friend, Lisa, who is a year older and can drive. One day, Caitlin tells her mother that she is spending the night at Lisa’s place. Instead, the two friends go to the mall. At the mall, they meet two boys, Johnny and Jim. Caitlin lies about her age, telling them that she’s 17. The boys convince them to go on a drive with them. When the girls enter the car, they feel a sense of danger, as the doors do not close all the way and the seatbelts don’t work. Along the way, the boys buy them alcohol and take them to bars, despite the two girls being underage. Caitlin’s mother calls, demanding to know where she is, as it is getting late. Caitlin’s mother threatens to look for her if she does not come home soon. Caitlin tells the boys that they have to take her home. Although they complain, the boys eventually drive Caitlin and Lisa back to Caitlin’s home. When they arrive at Caitlin’s house, Johnny asks Caitlin for a kiss, which she reluctantly gives him. Caitlin and Lisa rush past Caitlin’s mother when they enter the house in order to hide the smell of alcohol on their bodies.