An Unexpected Letter

    "It's time we meet." These four simple words were about to change my life. The envelope was handwritten and addressed to me, which was odd since the Internet, invented over one hundred years ago, had virtually made letters and postcards obsolete. I'm not even sure why there are still physical mailboxes in the year 2112, Maybe it's a nostalgia thing. Even more puzzling is why I opened the mailbox. Mail deliveries are once a month and haven't contained anything significant in years. The letter was signed, Charles Decker.

     The address was Brussels, France. I remember from history books that Brussels was a city in the country of Belgium, but that was many years ago when the radical terrorist groups traumatized the world. Since then, many countries disappeared and boundaries have changed. One other notation in the letter is a reservation number for the Silver Streak Hyperloop Express. Now, it dawns on me! This is a mandatory meeting with a stranger. The World Council set up a program over fifty years ago to promote better communications.  

     I’d been selected to meet Charles Decker and learn about his life. He, in turn, would be tasked with the same from me. My great grandfather told me the selection process for this opportunity was similar to the jury selection they used many years ago. The World Council was an organization established to address the unrest around the globe. They determined the underlying problem was lack of understanding and poor communication with people of different nations and backgrounds, so they started this program called Strangers Meeting Strangers. The program has been around for fifty plus years. Every year thousands of people from many countries are selected to travel to places far and wide to meet strangers and educate themselves on different cultures. 

     To assume that the participants are selected randomly would be a mistake. Each set of strangers is paired explicitly so that the maximum exposure to each of their lives will be beneficial to future generations. Participants document their visit in a detailed report that’s signed by both parties. These reports then become part of the educational system to teach future generations.

     I'm eighteen and a citizen of Amerinada. My passport allowed me to freely travel to friendly countries, France being one, without the hassles of being confined for weeks after my return. I could be in Brussels in four hours if I take the International Silver Streak Hyperloop Express. I'm not sure what to expect from my month-long visit with Charles Decker. It's very likely Mr. Decker is old so what could I possibly learn from him? Communication will be difficult at best.I have no choice. Once selected you cannot refuse to go.  

    The World Council pays for the trip and I will be staying with Charles but I dread spending time with an old man that is out of touch with today’s world. I found my great grandfather told compelling stories, although exaggerated and unbelievable. It was important for him to share these stories with me. I must admit I enjoyed hearing them and learned a few things as well.  

    Since the inception of this program, there’s been a notable improvement in the tolerance people have toward one another. I never thought much about the Strangers Meeting Strangers program making a positive impact until now.