I handed over three passports.

“You are without visa.”

“Yes.”

“You must be deported.”

“I know.”

“There is fine. 1,500 lei cash.”

We gathered bills. “I don’t have 1,500.”

“Not child. 1,000.”

“I have 870.”

“Ok. 800.” She took the cash and sent us to the deportation office for paperwork.

Chris Deca teaches internationally and has lived in seven countries. His writing draws on travel, education, and life in unexpected places, including a monastery kitchen and a camper.