Two Alarms

(Sana’s kitchen in Queens, the night before Arjun’s plane.)

Sana: Okay. The list. Passport?

Arjun: Here. In my coat.

Sana: Good. Warm socks? Lisbon is cool at night.

Arjun: I’ve got two pairs.

Sana: Two? Take four.

Arjun: It’s four days, Sana.

Sana: Take four.

Sana: Now practice. How do you ask for the train?

Arjun: Um… where is the train, please?

Sana: Good. And the bus to the airport?

Arjun: Where is the bus, please?

Sana: Same words. Easy.

Arjun: And if I’m lost?

Sana: Then you ask someone. In English. Slowly.

Arjun: I can do that.

Sana: You can do all of it. Your plane is at seven o’clock, so set two alarms.

Arjun: Two?

Sana: Same rule as the socks.