Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

51 The Summit 50 Chapter 3 The Summit A low-pitched screeching sound got TJ’s attention as the door to the roof slowly opened. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He looked up and saw Tumi by the door. She had long, black braids. She was neither short nor tall, and was wearing jeans, paired with a stylish African print shirt. “It’s OK,” he said. “I was just taking a breather up here. Couldn’t really sleep.” “Oh, OK. Let me not disturb you then.” “No, it’s cool. Please come on over. There’s more than enough roof.” She sat down on the other side of the roof. It wasn’t a big roof. They sat there for some time, in silence. Each in their own thoughts. “Mind if I ask you a question?” said TJ. “Go ahead.” “Where are you from?” “I’m from South Africa. Why do you ask?” “Well, your name. I’ve never heard that name before. And your accent. Sounds different, like British, or Australian or something.” Since his first encounter with everyone, he had tried to figure out where they were all from. He had deduced they were from different parts of the world. Ana mentioned that she was from Argentina. Ethan and Pippa had strong accents that were easily recognizable. Ethan’s was Australian, and Pippa’s was British, though he couldn’t figure out which country specifically. And he had noticed Fang’s backpack when they were travelling to the airport; it had the Chinese national flag on it. So Tumi was the only one he couldn’t crack. “Well, I actually get that a lot. Particularly when I travel outside Africa.” “Your accent sounds cool, though. Even though you don’t talk a lot, whenever you do, sounds cool the way you pronounce things.” “Thanks,” she said as she chuckled. “What about you? Where are you from? Well, I know you’re from the U.S., but like, where?” “How do you know I’m from the U.S.?” “Am I wrong?” It was the first time TJ and Tumi were spending time alone together. Everyone on this journey was a stranger. Connecting with someone felt good. “I’m from LA.”