My bags, all packed and room was empty from my belongings. A room that once was my comfort zone and resting area where I truly held the most memories and secrets. Will now be just a decorated bedroom space.
This very house, where I started crawling up until now. The feeling of nostalgia spirals around my mind.
The kitchen where we all would make a mess as an attempt at cooking decent foods. The living room, where we would hold so-called 'Family Nights' and huddle each other around the couch to watch good movies or shows as a way of spending time together. And can't forget the holidays, especially Christmas. My house was always filled with such spirit as we always celebrated our traditional Hispanic Christmases as I myself am latina. The backyard, where my parents would always throw the 'So famous kiddie birthday parties' as we grew up. But now it was time to leave that all behind.
Oh, how I will miss it.
Finally walking into the entryway to find both my parents and older brother waiting to take me to the airport. Only silence surrounds the place. My dad quietly takes my suitcase from my grasp and places it in the trunk as my brother take my other two backpacks to the front with him.
Leaning down and crashing into the back seat, closing the door. Taking a deep breathe as I watch my house move farther away from my peripheral view.
Before, all I ever wanted to do was travel and study abroad. Now that the time has come, the thought of moving away into a completely foreign country terrifies me. But this is what I want to do.
Suddenly a big urge to just cry takes over me, choking back and blinking away the tears. Everything that was part of my life once, flashes past me in the blink of an eye.
We arrive at the airport
Making our way in they help me check in my suitcase and get the boarding pass. As soon as I stepped in front of the security check, I knew we would have to part.
I turn around to face them.
''This is it'' My father's voice cracks into a slight cry.
''Remember to call us if anything goes wrong'' My mother finally speaks and I nod.
''Do you have everything you need?''
''Yes, Dad. Don't worry if anything I'll get whatever else I need''
Silence takes over once again.
''Just remember that I won't have cell phone service so I'll have only have communication with internet'' I mention, knowing that they will get worried if I miss even one call.
I take a good look at them to treasure their image in my head one last time. Noticing that my brother is obviously hiding his saddened expression so I take his hand in comfort. My mother tries to give me a fake smile but I watch as her chin starts to tremble and tears start to form in her eyes. Not being able to hold back anymore and a sob escapes my lips and I crash into their embrace.
''I'll miss you guys so much'' My voice shakes as I speak into their chest.
''We'll miss you more'' Flashing a smile, my brother finally speaks.
I pull away and hug them each separately, Goodbye.
''Okay'' My mom huffs and wipes her tears '' You have to go and settle at the gate''
"Go and chase your dreams"
You nod pouting while your dad wipes your remaining tears.
''Call us or text us as soon as you land''
My dad leans in and kisses my forehead ''We love you''
I hug them one last time, cherishing and taking everything in before I walk away into the security check.
Taking steps forward into the line, I look back every second and it gets harder to keep them within my view as the crowd of people get in my way, blocking them. I haven't stopped crying. Memories around my head and my thoughts take over.
But you knew there was coming a time where you were going to leave, eventually.
And this was it.
•••
After a ridiculous amount of hours sitting in an airplane. I stand up finally giving my body the stretch it desperately needed. My legs felt weak and almost dysfunctional and I couldn't feel my butt, at all. I immediately stand and grab my two backpacks noticing had a little limp as my legs took time to warm up and gain the strength.
Then it hits me. I'm here.
I'm in Korea.
Everything around me was so different. You wander around the big, unfamiliar airport following the signs which had both languages on them. Which wasn't a problem since I had a good amount of Korean classes before, enough to understand and be able to communicate. I was always into learning languages. Being able to speak quite a few other languages, but I've always had a special preference for Korean.
I take my suitcase from the baggage claim and make my way outside to catch a taxi. It didn't take long to get into one because luckily they all are lined up and ready for customers.
Arriving at the apartment complex I take in a deep breath and walk through the doors and follow what the paper guide says. Taking the elevator and finally going to a stop and I find myself in the hallway. I didn't know which way to go but I scanned around until I finally found my apartment number.
Stopping in front of the door looking down at the keypad and start typing in the numbers indicated. It doesn't work. Can I ever do anything right? I'm clearly typing the correct numbers. Struggling to unlock it I hear footsteps dragging along the carpeted hallway behind me.
A guy dressed in all black walks past me and stands in front of the door across from mine. He must live there. The sounds of his keypad create a rhythm causing me to look over my shoulder and try and figure out how he's doing it.
"Excuse me" I softly say and watch as his head turns my direction but doesn't say a word.
"Sorry... I uh- Would you mind you help me with this?"
He walks over standing close enough where I could feel his fresh scent. My eyes study him. His dark, soft-looking hair covers his forehead. Realizing he's taller than me for only a bit, which is hard to see considering I'm pretty tall.
"Do you have the code?" He asks.
"Ah, yes" I hand him the paper.
He quickly dials the code and to my surprise, it unlocks.
I tilt my head in confusion "Why didn't it work for me?"
"You need to press this button after entering the digits"
He points to the door lock logo "Oh that's a button.."
I'm so dumb.
He walks away back over to his door without saying another word.
"Thank you." I say as he turns around again while I bow in appreciation and push open the door grabbing all my stuff with me.
Taking a step inside the empty and bright apartment. It was small but still pretty spacious enough for my liking. Since I only rented this place it was already furnished and decorated. Thankfully. The decor was very modern but yet simple and giving a nice touch.
I place my backpacks on the floor and push my suitcase handle.
I needed to get everything in place and organized to settle in. Having just arrived moments ago it doesn't take me much to realize that I start school in two days and worry grows around me. With the big time change and everything. It'll take time to get used to.
But it's a start of a new life.
