Page 23 of The Secret to Belonging

you have no idea what Norwegians eat

the letter comes decorated with hand-drawn

ribbons festooning the return address

on the stamp a plane flies over a church

and the words luftpost and Norge

the letter unfolds around a photograph of a family

standing in the sun on the edge of a still, vast sea

two parents. two kids

everyone smiling

everyone happy

you notice your immediate skepticism

you are young, but you are cynical

their names are Elinor (mom)

and Bjørn (dad)

and Lise (daughter)

and Erik (son)

the photo was taken at their summer cottage

on Midsummer Eve at midnight

(note: the sun is shining)

they’ve never been so excited to meet someone

they’ve always wanted to host a student

they’ve never been to the USA

they’ve always wanted to visit Disneyland

they can’t wait to find out

if you like the musical Cats

if you see movie stars in Hollywood

if you watch Dynasty on TV

if you know how to surf

if you’ve ever seen snow

if you’ve ever gone skiing