HANA
Mallory can I ask you something?
MALLORY
Of course mon amie!
HANA
If you got to choose, would you continue to live here?
MALLORY
Like this apartment?
HANA
Like, America.
MALLORY
I guess it would depend on the other option… I’ve never lived anywhere else, heck, I’ve never lived outside of the Midwest. But, that’s not really what you’re asking.
HANA
We’re going to graduate soon. And I have to decide if I want to apply for a work visa here or go home.
MALLORY
I can’t tell you what to do but I know I would miss you.
HANA
I would miss you too, chou chou.
MALLORY
I suppose I would do a pros and cons list? But like, also, how hard is it to get a work visa? I’ve heard it can be really difficult.
HANA
It depends on your field. My advisor said they would put in a good word for me at the lab, so I’m pretty sure that with their rec I could qualify. I just need to decide if I want to stay before pursuing it.
MALLORY
Okay. Well, Pro: you have a job pretty much lined up where you don’t have anything solid back home. Another pro, you would be able to continue to have the best, cutest, most considerate roommate in the world. Con, you are far from family - would probably be a pro for me, but I know how much you miss your mom.
HANA
There is nowhere to get good tacos at home, but I would be able to get my mother’s cooking once a week. No one makes bread like maman.
MALLORY
How long do you have to think about it?
HANA
The position gets officially posted next week. I have a little time.
MALLORY
How about this, to take some of the pressure off. If it’s anywhere close to 50/50, you apply for the job. Just because you apply, even if you get the job, doesn’t me you would have to take it.
HANA
True. I would though, otherwise I would feel like putting my advisor in a bad position.
MALLORY
If you decide you want to stay you have to start putting yourself first. the U.S. is survival of the fittest, dog eat dog, and you have to look out for your best interest.
HANA
That feels like a definite con. Also, the amount of sugar in your beverages. Who needs sugar in their flavored chai?