Lluis (18) radiates composure and confidence. He studies Information Technology at university. His program includes mathematics and physics. He likes math, says concepts don’t always come clear right away, but when he dwells sufficiently on them, they’re his. He doesn’t subscribe to the notion that some persons are innately not equipped to understand mathematics. After dark, before supper, Lluis spars vigorously with a punching bag outdoors. It clears his head and relieves stress, he says. At supper, he invariably asks, “Abi (granddad), what did you do today?” He showed me how to play poker (Texas Hold’em) the other night. He gives signs of having considerable experience in the game. Hmmm. We’ve played one hard-fought bout of chess so far. He won. By a hair. I’d be glad to have Lluis at my side in any kind of a pinch.

(c) 2018 JMN.