By Amelia Lipcsei
Let me set the scene: in a small park, with the open sky above us and a picnic blanket underneath us, Trent-Alexander Arnold, Hermione, Amelia Earhart, and I have just opened up our bamboo basket. Filled with a thermos of cherry-blossom tea, a container of tuna salad sandwiches, and a platter of home-baked cookies, which Hermione graciously baked for the four of us, the basket lays on the warm ground. With the grass cushioning us and the sun providing a blanket of warmth, we all begin to serve ourselves. As you can expect, I’m very excited to talk to everyone. Unfortunately, just as we’re all about to start eating, Trent shamelessly reveals he’s brought his own picnic basket, which he states was “necessary” because he knew he would be too hungry to only eat tuna sandwiches. To say the least, the rest of us are not happy about this surprising turn of events. After a few snide stares from Hermione and a glare from Amelia Earhart, Trent offers us some of the roasted chicken he bought for himself.
Finally, after we’ve all settled down, I start the conversation by asking Amelia Earhart about her flying career. Let me tell you, this lady is interesting. She tells all of us about her flying experiences: being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, how she fell in love with flying, and why she decided to pursue a career as a pilot. At first, I intently listen to every word she’s saying. However, as she talks and talks and talks, I can’t help but feel myself longing for the answer that I’m really looking for. As interesting as all of her stories are, I can’t help but rudely interrupt her. With great anticipation, I ask what exactly happened on that fateful day in July. Where did her plane land? How come no one was ever able to find any clue as to where she went? Why did her radio and instruments encounter trouble? What really happened?
I wish I could tell you all of the secrets I learned, but I swore an oath of secrecy to her. Now, I can enjoy knowing aspects of the lives of one of the greatest pilots of all time. With the sun just starting to set, the sky paling to liliac, and the stars beginning to appear, Hermione begins to tell us about herself. All of the scenes that J.K Rowling kept hidden tumble from Hermione’s mouth. Secrets about Hogwarts, Dumbledore, Snape, wizardry, and her adventures growing up fill the air; finally, the mystery of the wizarding world unravels. Trent and I stare at her with interest, eating up every word that she speaks. Amelia Earhart, on the other hand, looks at Hermione like she just sprouted antlers from her head: “Is she crazy? What’s this Hogwarts thing she’s talking about? Wizards? Huh?” Trent and I exchange a look. I’d forgotten the pilot couldn’t have read the series in her free time, considering that the books were published way after her death, oops.
Awkwardly, Trent tries to change the subject. Telling us all about his time at Liverpool, he brings up stories of his childhood, how he managed to join the club, and what his plans for the future are. Of course, I have to ask him about the team dynamic and the inside secrets of the club. Is there anyone Klopp plans to add to the roster? Is anyone leaving the team next season? How bright does the future look for Liverpool? He answers all of my questions with ease, hinting at an interesting addition to the club in the later season. Eventually, he tells us all about the process of joining Liverpool and why he started playing soccer as a child. His stories interest Hermione, who asks him if she can play soccer with him later, to which he readily agrees.
As the moon rises, we pack up our picnic basket, throw away our trash, and wave good-bye. With newfound knowledge, the four of us head our separate ways, thankful for the interesting stories and experiences we shared during our time together. Maybe we’ll get dinner together again next week…?