Junior classical languages and literatures and history major
One day last spring, I was feeling particularly happy about the changing of the seasons. It was long past pants day, the self-imposed biannual celebration of the day you can stop wearing the previous season’s pants (shorts for summer, jeans for winter), and I was stressed beyond belief to be directing Maryland Shakespeare Players’ production of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata.
So as I typically do when I’m feeling stressed but happy and on top of things, I began whistling the tune from Kill Bill: Vol. 1, the one Elle Driver whistles before she attempts to kill The Bride. That song is always the right balance between being eerie and confident, and it is a fun reference for those who recognize it.
It was then that a stranger came in from the hall and commented on how much she loved Kill Bill. We had a short conversation, but it was one of the most natural and free-flowing conversations I had ever had with someone I did not know.
I did not ask for her number because I despise the idea that any level of friendliness should be turned into a romantic ulterior motive, but she told me her name and that I should come by her office (she was a doctoral student) to say hi.
I never could find her again (not for lack of trying!), but I still whistle it in the halls sometimes in the hope of catching other Quentin Tarantino fans and brightening their day. After all, my evidence so far shows Tarantino fans just get along better. Coincidence? I think not.
Erik Shell is a junior classical languages and literatures and history major. He can be reached at eshelldbk@gmail.com.
[ READ MORE: Strange encounters in college ]
