Joel’s departure

This morning Joel left for his trip to the US. He woke me up at 6:00 like I asked him to, I wanted get up early and say good-bye to him. Everyone was in a good mood until Mom noticed that Joel had, uuh, liberated $15 that she had been saving. She was going to give the money to Joel for his trip anyway, it just always feels so bad when he takes stuff from you.

I wasn't involved in the situation but it brought to mind the last two times Joel's taken stuff from me. That he borrows money or cigarettes or whatever, it's never such a big deal. It just feels bad, like your personal space has been invaded. Plus, it tends to make me a little paranoid. I always have to wonder whether I've spent more than I remember or has someone been in a more pressing need of my money.

The last year or so Joel's been much better about stealing—or borrowing—as I think he really believes it is. When he takes stuff, I know he thinks he'll pay everything back, it's just that what he's taken usually builds up until he can't pay it back.

Joel'll be gone for five weeks and I think I'll really miss him this summer. He's such a great guy and we've had so much fun just hanging out the last couple of summers.

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