December 2 （visa expires in 43 days）
“Tenk you,” I said, aware of my Israeli accent. I felt my face flush, probably because I’d been caught at the feet of a stranger. What else could it be?
I looked at the floor, wondering how to get out of there without embarrassing myself even more with my terrible English.
“Is that your hobby?” The American said in Hebrew, pointing at the gecko trying to escape my grasp.
“No, it’s just…Wait, what? You speak Hebrew?”
“I do. Why does that surprise you?”
“You’re American.”
“Uh huh. Does my accent give me away? Or is it something else?”
“I’m not one of your followers, if that’s what you mean.” I clenched my hand in irritation and the gecko wriggled even harder.
“But you know who I am. I’m flattered.”
“Don’t be. It’s only because of my weird sister. I don’t understand why she does it.” I snuck a glance at his straight brown hair as I spoke. It was styled to perfection, with a cowlick in front.
“Ouch. You think I’m just a shallow person only interested in collecting followers, right?”
“No. I …” I was lost for words because that’s exactly what I was thinking.
“It’s ok. I know some people judge me. You can’t please everyone. But you seem like a smart guy. How come you’re so quick to judge me when you don’t even know me?”
“Sorry,” I said, abashed.
“I’ll accept your apology on one condition.”
“What?”
“That you give me a chance to prove I’m not the kind of person you think I am.”
“Planning to work a miracle?” I said half-joking and then immediately wished I could crawl into a hole.
“One meeting. Starbucks in the Central Phuket Mall. Tomorrow at four.”
I tried not to roll my eyes. Starbucks? Really? That’s how he was going to change my mind? So far he was doing the opposite.
“Ok, one meeting. But my sister can’t know.”
“I think she already does.”
I turned and there she was. Looped in. Perhaps thinking of joining the conversation if she ever remembered how to speak.
“See you.” And he left, without waiting for my answer.
I watched him walk away and then I saw another gecko above the exit. Another one?
I looked down at my hand. It was empty.