Читать книгу A Big Circle of Friends - Erica Bentel - Страница 19

THAT SATURDAY NIGHT. PERTH. MEGAN’S HOUSE

Since the newspaper article, Sasha has rapidly become the focus of attention. There’s a lot of talk amongst her friends about the Big Circle of Friends idea.

AMY: It’s like that online rally thing that went viral.

MEGAN: Yeah, a bit. But it’s not the same, because that was getting everybody to join up for one particular cause…

MATT (Megan’s older brother): … And that was the problem with it. Political causes are never simple. You jump in trying to do good, but you never know what you’re actually supporting. You have to really question that stuff.

AMY: Well I think the intentions behind it were really good.

MATT: The intentions were good, but the reality was a lot more complex. That’s why I think Sasha’s idea is so clever. You’re not joining a political group or supporting a particular cause. You’re joining to make a personal pledge to do the right thing to those around you. And if that keeps growing, there’s a real power in that.

AMY: So this is like more of a personal thing?

MATT: Yeah, where’s Sasha gone?

MEGAN: Getting some food.

AMY: So cool.

MATT: No hate directed anywhere, or violence. That’s the best part of it. People just need the strength to stand up and speak out, to help those around them … There she is.

DAVID: She’s cute.

Matt nods imperceptibly. Everyone looks at Sasha. The only one who doesn’t notice is Sasha.

She comes to join them on the grass. Matt motions for her to sit:

MATT: We’re discussing your idea. We think it’s great.

Sasha smiles. Everyone shifts over to let her in. She takes the spot next to Fabio and sits down folding her legs beneath her. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she focuses on her salad and becomes caught up in removing the small pieces of celery.

AMY: I wonder how long it’ll take to reach everyone in the school?

MATT: I wonder how long it’ll take to reach everyone in the world?

Sasha looks across at him - he isn’t joking.