Assignment 12: Theodore

Dear Roommate,

    I hope you don’t play loud music. From personal experience, I know that earplugs only block out a fraction of the sound. As I do not want to become an insomniac — especially not during the school year — I may resort to sabotaging your speakers. But besides that, you will find me easy-going. While I do appreciate neatness, I don’t demand it. After all, my brother has maintained a junk pile in our shared bedroom for over five years. Of course, you and I will avoid disputes if we split or room into two spheres of influence. Just as America did not interfere in East Germany throughout much of the Cold War, I won’t comment on your decorating abilities or choice in posters, no matter how gaudy.

    Naturally, I have a few quirks as well. If you could see my current bedroom, you would be forgiven if you mistook it for a library. Books have colonized my table, filled up half a dozen shelves, and even reside under my bed. (Last month, I removed around 200 books from my room, but over 400 remain.) Since space is at a premium in dormitories, this herd of literature is staying at home. Still, I expect to quickly acquire a campus library card — so my half of the room will contain (at least) one bookshelf. Be aware: If I see any mistreatment of books on your part (e.g. ripping pages, spilling food, writing in library books), I will liberate them. Think of it as refugees fleeing East Berlin for West. However, I’m sure that you treat books with respect.

Looking forward to meeting you,

Theodore