72. Yokota Days

Feeling a little irritated over my empty inbox on the computer screen, I start remembering those Yokota school days and the custom of pumpkin grams. Maybe there was a program for Christmas and Valentine cards as well, but I cannot remember. I was not topping the popularity charts. I never did get one of those. I remember talking about it with Steve and some of the guys, and they reached the conclusion that in order to get some cards, you need to send some out. I don’t know if that ever worked for them. I cannot even recall if I worked up my bravery to send one, not trusting my powers to kick off any joyful reciprocity, stilled by the fear of broadcasting before the whole school to someone, “I really do like you,” and then only getting in return that cold silence that says too loudly, “But I don’t like you.”