𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

ᴏɴᴇ

A day later, I entered the living room only to find that the tree full of cherished photos that had adorned the wall had been replaced by a blank white canvas. It felt strange to see the emptiness in the space where memories once thrived.

I took a moment to absorb the change before continuing my exploration of the house. As I walked through the familiar rooms, my eyes landed on a surprising sight—the walls adjacent to the door were adorned with colorful drawings.

Intricate patterns and imaginative scenes covered the once plain surfaces, turning them into captivating pieces of art. Curiosity piqued, I took a step closer to admire the details and appreciate the creativity that had transformed the doorway.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled when my mom's voice echoed through the house, calling my name. Startled, I quickly turned around to respond, my long hair partially obscuring the hat I was wearing. "Yes, Mom, I'm here," I replied, making my way towards her. I adjusted my hat and straightened my posture, preparing myself for whatever awaited me.

Mom's eyes twinkled with excitement as she greeted me. "Are you ready, [name]?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation. "It feels like we're embarking on an adventurous journey, like pioneering explorers setting out to establish a new life in a beautiful, unknown land." Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement deep within me.

I responded with a gentle hum, unable to find the words to match her exuberance. We had been planning this move for a while, but the reality was just beginning to sink in. Change can be overwhelming, even if it brings the promise of new beginnings.

Mom nodded, her smile widening. "Alright, let's not keep the world waiting," she replied, gesturing for me to grab my duffle bag. "Oh, and don't forget to use the restroom before we leave."

"Okay," I said, nodding in acknowledgment. I headed towards the nearest bathroom to quickly freshen up before the journey ahead.

Uncle Charlie, who had always been a joker, chimed in from the corner of the room. "Remember, no boys allowed in this adventure, okay?" He wore a stern expression on his face, but it quickly melted away into a mischievous grin.

I burst into laughter at his playful comment and gave him a tight hug. "I'll call you later, Uncle Charlie," I promised, my voice filled with warmth and affection.

Mom's voice carried through the house once again, urgency evident. "Come on, [name], we can't afford to miss this plane!" Her words spurred me into action, and I hurriedly grabbed my bag, casting one last glance at Uncle Charlie. He looked at me with a hint of sadness in his eyes, knowing that our farewell was only temporary.

"I'll get used to it, and I'm sure Mom will be fine too, in a month," I reassured him, my smile genuine. Change was inevitable, and though it might be challenging, we had to embrace it with open hearts.