“Has anybody seen my USB?!”
She frantically packs her books into her bag, finds her USB still plugged into the computer, pulls it out and races to the car. Her Dad is there waiting, ignition on.
They are caught by every traffic light on the drive to school.
By the time she makes it to class, her stomach is in knots.
None of her friends has seen the article. But by lunchtime it is all they are talking about. Sasha’s head is reeling with the excitement of it all.
This can work. This can work. This can work.
THAT NIGHT. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. 20:25
Meanwhile … in another suburban home. It starts with raised voices. Another argument. A door slams.
Storming down the driveway, K. hears his father calling out after him.
He spins around.
“Why can’t you just leave me alone? I hate this place! Why did you have to move here in the first place?”
“For you children!!”
“For us. Yeah right. They all treat me like I’m a bloody alien. I’ll never be like them. Never.”
He sends a text to his cousin, then mutters to himself:
… Not that Iraq is any better. Those family holidays are a bloody nightmare.
Looking back up the driveway he sees his mother, then his father at the window, searching for him. He takes two steps to get out of their view. He climbs on his scooter, pulls on his helmet and drives off.
His cousin lives only 20 minutes away. He parks his scooter and, using both hands, pushes open the glass doors.
Only after he’s pressed the lift button does he read the OUT OF ORDER sign. He grunts. Then starts up the three flights of stairs, grumbling under his breath.
At least it’s better than being nagged day in, day out.
He holds his breath up the last flight.
What’s that disgusting smell? It’s like cat piss.
His cousin opens the door, hugs him, shows him around the small apartment, pats him on the back and leaves shortly afterwards.
K. throws himself onto the worn sofa that is to be his bed and stretches out his legs. He doesn’t bother to take off his shoes.
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.
THE SAME NIGHT. SYDNEY
K.’s cousin had taken him along to one of his group’s meetings. On leaving they were hugged warmly. Like brothers.
They are walking along the pavement. His cousin’s arm flung protectively over his shoulder.
— They treated me with true respect, talked to me like I’m actually somebody with an opinion to give. These are definitely my kind of people.
His cousin laughs and ruffles his hair.
K. pulls away. Then laughs too.
The rest of the way they walk in silence.
K. remembers being a bit surprised when his cousin had said: ‘K. wants to be involved.’
He had just nodded and smiled. Didn’t want to look stupid.
They had all congratulated him, shook his hand, even half hugged him, patting his back. Said soon they’d have something for him to do.
Now that’s the way it should be.
No one looked down on him. And a few of the men were actually far older.
K. is impressed. He looks across at his cousin.
He’s got some good connections. That’s for sure.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA. TWO WEEKS LATER
Sasha is busy downloading some lyrics when an email comes in. Ten seconds later she is on the phone to Kate.
— The funniest thing just happened. You won’t believe this. I just got an email from Erin.
— Erin in Melbourne?
— Yup. Guess what it was?
— Tell me.
— The Big Circle of Friends.
Both girls let out a yell.
— And you’ve never sent it to her?!
— No. She must have received it from somewhere else and she’s sent it to her whole address book. Including me.
— How amazing is that.
— Totally awesome. Listen, are you going with anyone to Baz’s party?
— Yeah,