Essay #18 (Didar)

Didar leans his head back in his chair and says in Russian, "I want to sleep," and proceeds to make a snoring noise.

"Well," I respond in English, "you can sleep right here on the floor if you'd like! I don't mind, as long as you ask in English." He decides not to translate the comment. His second club of the day is music club, and after he requested to be allowed to stay "just in case it is interesting", I wasn't expecting the world out of Didar. He'd been to my conversation club religiously, but he snickers in the back when the comments get too advanced.

Last week after class we realized we lived near each other, and he declared we'd walk there together. He was obviously bored by the classical music I was teaching which outlined how stringed instruments sound, so I decided the kids could stand something a bit lighter. As it was rainy and cold, I taught them "It's raining, it's pouring". The song was a big hit, and Didar decided I was interesting enough. He and his slowly-growing pack of young, male, English-enthusiasts stayed to help me pack up my things and promptly stated in Russian, "We're with you." It was intended to mean we'd all walk home together, but I take it to mean they'll be sticking out this whole English-club idea even if there are some boring parts.

We tromped down the street in the rain--two 11-year-olds, two 12-year-olds, a 13-year-old and I--discussing the finer things in life such as how the Russian reality TV show everyone watches is dumb and how many sisters and brothers we all have. I let one of the boys drop my letters to America in the box, and we stopped at a kiosk to pick up a pen for Vanya. One by one they split off for home with a big "Bye-bye" and a "See you next week" from me. I'm so used to being laughed at and teased and heckled by neighborhood boys that I'm shocked at their interest and kindness towards me. Last to turn off the main road was Didar who stopped humming "It's raining, it's pouring" for a few seconds to yell "goodbye!"

I'm guessing he'll be back again next week!