“
Christmas Day 2012 Continuation of my Message to Andy (part 2) After the evening’s ‘Kumbayah’ singalong at the OBSS camp, we had some alone time before returning to our respective tents for a good night’s sleep, fresh and ready for the following day’s Outward Bound events. Just as I was ready to garner some quality time to myself, Jules asked, “How are you feeling, Young?” “I’m good sir, and you?” I answered. “Care for a stroll with me?” “Sure. I was about to find a quiet spot to contemplate,” I said. “What are you contemplating?” “Oh. This, that and the other,” I remarked nonchalantly. “Is something bothering you?” he pressed. I looked at him for a brief second. “Maybe there’s something that’s bothering you?” I countered. He went silent, thinking of an appropriate parry. “Err, err… there is nothing bothering me. I’m concerned about your recovery… from the swimming incident.” “I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.” Silence followed, before the instructor muttered, “Shall we walk? I’d like to get to know you better.” We headed away from the camp, but remained silent. When out of earshot, Jules began, “You are different from the other boys at the camp.” “How so?” “You are mature beyond you age,” he opined. “Most of the boys who come to OBSS lack social and human relationship skills. But you… you seem to know a lot more than meets the eye.” The Caucasian was inveigling me to confide in him. “I learned the art of social conversation and human relationships at my English boarding school.” “It must be an excellent school,” he declared. “It sure is. I learned a lot of invaluable skills, not taught in regular classes,” I commented sportively. Jules pressed, “What exactly did they teach you?” “Oh, I’d rather show than tell,” I teased. “Would you like me to demonstrate?
”
”