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June 7, Northern Territory, Australia - Mary

Some time later, I sat at the dining table in the living room and had dinner with my parents. Mom kept quiet since she found out how Dad had reacted to Josh. Again. Mom liked Josh quite well, which is why there had never been a problem between the two. However, she felt my father's reaction was too exaggerated. No one could stop him. I broke the oppressive silence. "You wanted to talk to me about something?" I asked, more attracted to Dad. He nodded and put down his cutlery. Dad looked at me and a smile crept up on his face. "You've been telling us all the time about wanting to go to America." I nodded in surprise. Should that mean- "Maybe we found a way." I had to pull myself together so I wouldn't squeak out loud or fall around his neck. I didn't know what it was yet. "In America, there is an organisation that supports student exchanges in English-speaking countries. My mom told me: "The EYA has a good offer that we could make friends with. The prices are not bad either." Mom was silent for a moment and I knew immediately that there had to be a catch. "But?" I asked hesitantly. "If you go to America, we have to accept another exchange student during your stay there.", Dad explained. I looked at him confused. "This is the only way we can keep the farm up to date, Mary. We are no longer the youngest and we really cannot do it alone."

I bit my lip. I've always dreamed of America. Especially New York. But I didn't want to let my family down either - but that would be the possibility. "Okay.", I agreed after a moment of reflection. After all, I wasn't replaced. I didn't know how strict it was with the 'duty to work' of the exchange student coming to my parents, but I didn't have to worry about it. After all, I wouldn't be here during that time. "Okay.", Mom smiled. We signed you up two months ago." I looked at her surprised. "What?!" "The places are limited, so we have already registered you. In November you will start." The joy on my face was unmistakable. I got up and hugged my mom. I couldn't believe that this dream would actually come true. My biggest dream since graduation. "Tell me everything!" I said enthusiastically and Mom smiled.

Later, we all sat together on the sofa in the living room and reviewed an EYA brochure. The organization actually had a lot to offer and brought me exactly what I expected. Although it was officially called a student exchange, it applied to everyone up to twenty-one. Anyone who dropped out of school could participate in charitable projects, work in the family's own company, or get a chance at smaller jobs like waiters, which was a perfect experience. You lived with a host family throughout the exchange, which also included another exchange student. However, it was not established whether the exchange took place at the same time. I guess that was the case with me. "Oh!" Mom suddenly exclaimed and got up. She came back a moment later and held up a letter. "This is the information about our exchange child!" she exclaimed almost more enthusiastically than I did. She sat down next to me on the sofa again. "Your mother couldn't bear to open this letter. She's been hanging in my ears for two weeks.", my father grumbled. I smiled. "Come on, open up!" I said to Mom. She opened the envelope and folded the letter. I looked over her shoulder and watched what I was seeing.

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