Rajesh and his classmates met us on the beach, flexing their biceps to show they were tough enough to face a big, scary American high school. After months of exchanging emails, we’d finally met in person, only to be separated again by oceans, continents, and billions of people in a few short hours.
“Justine!” Rajesh called. He ran towards me, kicking up sand, and scooped me into his arms, lifting me off my feet. “You’re prettier than your pictures.”
Minister Freemont, the coordinator of the foreign exchange program at our church school, raised an eyebrow. “I presume those pictures are respectable ones, Miss. Hammond.”
“Yes, sir,” I said between snickers as Rajesh lowered me to the ground.
“You will love Mumbai,” Rajesh said to all of us, but looking at me. “A lot of people, though.”
“So is Dallas,” my friend Serena said. “You’ll feel at home.”
Ajay walked into the center of the two groups tossing a soccer ball in his hands. “One game before we show you our school.”
“You’re on!” we yelled.
word count: 175
—Nortina
Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is a weekly challenge where you write a story in 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) using the provided photo prompt as inspiration.
Click on the froggy icon to read other stories and add your own!
Lovely Curses 
beautiful, inspiring story Nortina! Love the exchange program theme!
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Nortina, you probably know by now that I occasionally drop by and leave personal messages for the participants of FFfAW. I just want to thank you for your continued participation in Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Each week I look forward to reading your story and I know that the others do too. Thank you for your continued friendship and loyalty!
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Aww thanks, Joy. I look forward to participating every week, and although I don’t always get to read or comment on everyone’s post, I do so very much enjoy everyone I do read. 🙂
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I understand. There are a lot of stories to try and keep up with each week with this challenge and all the other challenges. Thank you for what you do Nortina!
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Really nice story. I enjoyed reading it. It’s so nice to have a foreign exchange program.. everyone learns about each other and there is always a common interest.
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Nice take on the prompt. I like the cultural exchange premise. 🙂
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Lovely. So wonderful that the kids develop a relationship and then meet
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What a wonderful story. I liked the relationship you established.
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I love the energy in this!
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This captured the picture very well.
Regardless of cultural differences, common interests can be found.
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Nice story! The soccer theme fits perfectly, especially with showing the biceps 🙂
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What a perfect story. I enjoyed it
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It captured how, if we try, we can reach across those cultural divides. Soccer is a great example of how this can be done. And once the dialogue is started, I hope it continues!
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You’re absolutely right. Sometimes, all it takes is a common interest to open up a dialogue, and eventually, a friendship. 🙂
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Perfect story for this prompt! I enjoyed it and I think you accomplished magic. 🙂
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Thoroughly entertained! I want to keep reading. Lol. Great characterization and slice into their lives. I was engaged from the beginning to the end. Excellent job with this prompt.
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Thanks! I was hoping I captured the characters well. I was a little worried that this one didn’t have the magic, so I’m happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading! 😀
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