Page 35 of Loving London

“She’s good. Just working a lot. She loves her job.”

“Oh, that’s great. Do you miss her?”

“Honestly, I really haven’t had much of a chance to. I’m so busy here. Plus, Kate is, like, the friendliest person in the world. She never lets me feel lonely.”

“Who’s Kate?”

“Oh, my new roommate. She’s the receptionist at work. She’s from Biloxi, Mississippi, and she is the nicest person. I really like her.”

“Oh, awesome.”

“So, how is work going for you?” I ask.

“It’s okay. It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m not making much headway, but I’m trying.”

“Listen, George, I was watching a documentary the other day—”

“Wait. You were watching a documentary? Who are you?” Georgia laughs.

I chuckle. “Well, actually, Kate was watching it. I was in my room, watchingFriendson Netflix, but when I came out to get a drink, I had to stay and watch it with her. It was so interesting. So, anyway, the whole documentary was about the meat industry and how it’s destroying the environment. Well, they talked a lot about the rain forests and said that people who have stood up for the rain forests against these big cattle companies have been found dead. That’s some scary stuff, Georgia. I don’t really think you should be doing that. Come home. It’s too dangerous. It’s not worth your life.”

“I’ll be fine,” Georgia says, giving me a feeble attempt of reassurance.

“You don’t know that. Just come home,” I plead.

“London, people die every day from bee stings. Does that mean I should never risk going outside again, in fear of being stung? People also die in car crashes every day. Should I never get in a vehicle again? People die from food poisoning. Should I not eat?”

“That’s different,” I argue.

“Not really. There are a million ways in which I could die. I can’t live my life in fear of death, London. That’s no way to live.”

“But you’re putting yourself in danger.”

“Maybe a tad,” she says. “But it’s for something that matters. If I die from trying to protect something that I believe in, then it will not be for nothing. You know? London, I only get one life. I’m going to live it to the fullest and without fear. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll leave the world a little better off because of my efforts.”

“Georgia,” I beg.

“Listen, I’m a smart girl. I’m not going to put myself in a situation where I think there is a direct threat. I feel very safe down here. I’m not worried. Please don’t spend your time worrying about me. Okay?”

“Pfft, tell that to Mom. She’s so busy trying to stay busy that she had an acroyoga tent built in her backyard. She’s gone yoga crazy, holding acro retreats and trainings at their house.”

“Really? What does Dad say?”

“Oh, you know Dad. He doesn’t have much to say about anything that makes Mom happy.”

“That’s hilarious,” Georgia says.

“Well, if you’re going to stay down there, you have to keep in regular contact, so we don’t go crazy with worry.”

“I can do that.”

“That means, replace your phone.”

“Got it.” She nods. “Well, I should probably Skype Mom before she completely loses it.”

“That might be a good idea,” I agree with a grin. “I love you, George. Be safe.”

“I love you, Londy. Make sure to remember to tell me all the details when Brad Pitt leans you over his desk and drives you home.”

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