Postcard
- The next morning, Jacob doesn't wake up until 10:30AM, and even then, it's only to pee. After he does, he thinks of Hille and then relieves himself of something else as well—he feels happy and free for the first time since getting to Holland.
- He catches himself in the mirror and is pretty pleased with what he sees. He figures he should give himself some more pleasure, but he should probably get a snack first, so he makes his way to the kitchen.
- There, he sees a note from Daan. It says that he's gone to see Geertrui and Jacob should go tomorrow. For right now though, Jacob should just relax and make himself at home. Oh—and Ton would be happy to hear from Jacob if he's interested.
- Jacob is happy to have some time to himself, so he makes breakfast and then writes to Hille about becoming her kissing-boyfriend, as he calls it. Is there another kind?
- He also writes to his grandma, Sarah, and tells her about how his trip is going.
- After writing to her, Jacob calls Ton and asks if he wants to meet up—he's never mailed anything here before, and well, with his track record of getting lost and pickpocketed, he'd love some guidance.
- Ton says he'd love to meet up, and he'll swing by at 2:00PM with a surprise for Jacob with no legs.
- When Ton gets there, the surprise is a boat. The two go sailing along the canals and make their way over to—yup—Anne Frank's place.
- Jacob is relaxed and having a great time out on the water. He admits to Ton that he might be falling for Amsterdam—he wasn't that into it at first, but he loves the canals and bridges now.
- Ton is pleased and starts telling Jacob all about his family. He comes from a Catholic family of two sisters and four brothers, with a homophobic dad and a loving mom. His dad doesn't like him all that much, so they never really talk, but he gets together with his mom every three or four weeks.
- This starts up a conversation about marriage. Ton thinks nothing is forever, and people should be together when they want, and not pretend to commit to something they can't.
- Jacob recognizes where they are—at Alma's place—so he asks Ton if they can stop so he can go in and thank her for rescuing him the other day.
- He buys her some flowers and chocolates, and she is very pleased to see him. When he tries to give her back the money she gave him, she flat-out refuses, insisting he keep it because she likes helping people.
- Then she asks him if he will come and have coffee with her sometime before he leaves, and he agrees.
- Back with Ton, Jacob enjoys riding around the canals, taking in the sights. It feels like he and Ton must have been friends in another life, and he likes the idea.