Page 12 of Follow My Voice
Unknown:Yes…
Me:Is this something you do with all the fans of your show?
Unknown:No, only with you.
I feel a strange tingling in my stomach.Is this really happening?
Me:Why?
Unknown:I already told you, curiosity.
Me:How do I know you’re really Kang?
Unknown:Ask me anything you want.
I chew on a fingernail as I think about what to ask, and when I glance at the book on my nightstand I get an idea.
Me:Tomorrow during the show, say a quote from Jane Austen at some point; then I’ll believe you.
Unknown:Okay. But can I talk to you today?
Me:We can talk tomorrow, person claiming to be Kang.
Unknown:Talk tomorrow, K :)
I put the phone on the bed and hug the pillow tightly, burying my face to stifle a squeal. Did that really just happen? This feeling is new to me. Before my mom got sick, I never thought much about boys. Is this what being interested in someone feels like? If so, Kang is the first guy I’ve ever really been interested in and I don’t even know what he looks like.
I walk out of my room with a smile on my face and run straight into Kamila.
“Oh, I forgot how pretty you look when you smile.”
“What? I smile at you often.”
“Not like this. This one seems genuine.”
I avoid eye contact, still smiling. “It’s… a beautiful night.”
Kamila raises an eyebrow. “I’m guessing your good mood is thanks to that guy’s radio show, am I right?”
I nod. “Yeah, you could say that.”
Kamila hesitates for a second, and I imagine I’m not going to like what she’s about to say. “Have you looked at the university website like we talked about?”
My good mood goes right down the drain.
“Do you think you’re ready to visit campus yet?”
“No.”
Kamila lets out a long sigh. “Klara, you have to try. Taking even just a class or two this semester would give you a lot to think about, something to do besides sitting home alone filling your head with negative thoughts. The distraction might do wonders for you.”
“Kamila, I know I’ve made some progress, but going to college is completely different. Not only would I have to adjust to an entirely new environment, navigate academic expectations—something I’m so out of touch with, might I remind you—among other things, but what if I have a panic attack in front of everyone? There will be tons of people there. I’d die of embarrassment. I can’t. I don’t want to.”
“I’m not going to force you into anything you don’t want to do, you know that. Just think about it, Klara. You’re a very smart young lady with a lot of talent and a whole life, experiences, and yes, even challenges ahead of you.”
Just as I’m about to snap at Kamila, Andy walks in.
“There they are, my favorite girls.”
