I Will Always Write Back

Caitlin is proud to know that Martin has performed so excellently on his O-level exams. By this point, her family has figured out how to send Martin money safely. With this knowledge assured, Caitlin focuses on turning 16 years old. On the day after her birthday, Damon takes her to the DMV, so that she can get her learner’s permit. He also teaches her how to drive.

When Caitlin next hears from Martin, she learns that he has received a scholarship to go to school at Marist Brothers. Caitlin tries to find Nyanga on a map but infers that it must be a smaller and more rural city if it is not immediately on the world map. She is elated to read in Martin’s letter that he plans to attend a US university. He asks her to reach out to different US universities such as Harvard and University of Pennsylvania to ask for college applications to be sent to his location. He tells her that he wants to become a doctor one day to help “increase the number of doctors here at Zim because there are few and cannot serve everyone” (263). Caitlin’s mother tells her that it is important for her to think about college as well.