**

On the way back from university, Ulyana and I try to come up with a way to avoid this disgrace: Not only does the program have to be scripted, but it also has to be recorded and edited at the university TV studio. Ulyana complains:

— What a fucked-up assignment!

— That’s just typical Bobr. But we have to write it somehow.

— Sure. Let’s add more cultural references, background information, and, towards the end, something about the Americans, right?

— Sounds good. When will we start writing the script?

— Can you do it tomorrow morning?

— No, I’ll be working on my radio program. On other days, I’m more or less flexible. The most important thing for me is to finish it before the next weekend, as Kim and I are meeting up in Finland.

— Wait, wait! Is that the Kim you met in Italy? Are you still in touch?

— Yes, it’s surprising even to me. We’re constantly texting. Basically, every day.

WhatsApp. Asya—Kim. 14.04.2016
Kim: Guten Morgen 👋 🌄
Asya: Dobroe utro ☀️
Kim: oh my gosh – every night someone is snoring around me. I hope it gets better later in my journey at the other hostels ^^
Asya: Horrible 😱 Wish you good luck!
I will prepare a bit more for the IELTS and then will be off to uni 😊

It was a typical Erasmus romance, but the location added a special charm: Venice made everything feel somewhat otherworldly. When Kim and I said goodbye, it felt like a farewell to me, and I gave an appropriate speech. Kim did not come to see me off at the airport, and I did not ask for it. We were close in a way, but neither of us owed the other anything. This was all supposed to end with the completion of our exchange programs. But a few days later, Kim texted to ask if I’d made it home safely.