Chapter 22
It was a beautiful sunny day in Los Angeles, and Kim was organizing a special lunch to bring the family together. In the garden of the house, tables were set outdoors, decorated with fresh flowers, and the atmosphere was relaxed and warm. Everyone was talking, and laughter echoed throughout the room as lunch was served.
Tom, who was next to Kim, felt increasingly comfortable with her family. He was already loved by the sisters, the children, and even Kris, who watched him with approval. Halfway through the meal, Kendall, always curious and fascinated by Tom's stories, decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
"So, Tom, can I ask you a question?" Kendall began, with a curious smile on her lips.
Tom looked at her and smiled back.
"Sure, Kendall, ask me anything you want."
Kendall glanced at her sisters, who also seemed eager to hear. She then continued:
"I was wondering... with all this experience and stories you have, how many languages are you fluent in? And, well... how many different places have you been to for work?"
Kim, upon hearing the question, smiled and exchanged a look with Tom, already foreseeing that his answer would leave her sisters even more impressed.
Tom put his fork down on his plate and smiled slightly, adjusting himself in his chair.
"Well... over the years, I've learned a few languages. I speak Spanish, Pashto, Hebrew and Russian. Oh, and, of course, English," he added, with a hint of humor.
Kylie's eyes widened, impressed.
"I understand Spanish, but Pashto, Hebrew and Russian? Wow!" she said, as she looked at him in admiration.
"Yes, Spanish was the first language I learned besides English. Pashto and Hebrew were necessary for some specific missions. And Russian..." he smiled again, without going into details. — Let's just say it was useful at times.
Kendall was fascinated.
— I can't even imagine what you've been through! And the places you've visited? Have you ever been anywhere... dangerous?
Tom nodded, thinking for a moment before answering.
— Yes, I've been to some difficult places. I've been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Egypt. In addition, I've been to several other regions in the Middle East and Asia.
Kim's sisters were completely attentive, each with an expression of surprise and admiration. Khloe, with her eyes wide open, shook her head in disbelief.
— My God, Tom, you've literally been to all the places I would never have the courage to set foot in!
Tom laughed, understanding her reaction.
— Yeah, they really weren't easy places. Each one had its own challenges and peculiarities. But, when you're there, you learn to adapt, to read people and to understand the local cultures. And as difficult as it was, there was also beauty in each of these places.
Kourtney, who had been listening intently, looked at him with interest.
"And what was it like learning so many languages? That must not have been easy."
Tom shrugged, as if it were something natural.
"At first, it's challenging. But over time, you get used to it and start to see the language as a key to understanding the culture. I've always been fascinated by cultural differences, and I've learned that when you speak the local language, people open up to you more."
