Distant Relative

As I sat there patiently waiting, I could only wonder of all the things my father could have left me. He wasn’t the best gift giver, being that we didn’t agree on many presents I received from him. My dad worked as a travel tour guide. Whichever place he would go, I could always expect him to bring something back. He always thought what he had was so amazing, but those things didn’t mean that much to me.

We didn’t have that close father and son relationship. My dad was always gone from country to country and we never had the time to bond. I was jealous of seeing everyone going camping with their dad or just something as simple as watching sports together. But it wasn’t even as if we would do that when he was home. I didn’t understand how he was my father with us having such conflicting personalities. The only thing I could do was accept it because I respected him being my dad.

But now I sat here waiting in the living room of his empty apartment, waiting on the lawyer to return. I looked around remembering the things that used to be here. The rom used to be filled with many different artifacts from his trips. The ivory elephant’s tusk from his Saharan safari sat on the mantle. His couch replicated one her saw in an ancient castle. He hung an Aztec mask over the fireplace.And I was just overwhelmed by how much all these things mean to my dad. He loved everything he brought back, it was his prized possessions.

I heard footsteps coming down the hall. I assumed it was the lawyer returning with what my dad left for me. But instead it was a woman. I had never seen her before and I was curious to know what she was doing here. “Hello,” she said politely. I responded to her with a hello as well. We both just sat there awkwardly in the empty room.

Another set of footsteps came. I hoped it was the lawyer this time because I couldn’t take another new person. This time it was the lawyer. “Good morning. I’m happy that the two of you came to receive what was left from Mr. Wilson.” He then pulled out a piece of paper from his suit’s jacket. “Mr. Wilson wanted me to read the following: If you are hearing this I have passed away. Please do not mourn over my death and instead celebrate the great times we may have shared. I hope my son is here to listen to my will. I did not leave a gift this time, I thought that would be the best gift. Of course you have inherited money, but I believe over the years you have got enough of what I have brought you. I want to add I am proud of you as my son although we have not bonded so well over the years. I love you. Also I hope my sister is there— the only other person left in my family. I understand you have been having difficulties in your life, so I leave you my apartment. It is paid for and I want you to have one less problem to worry about. I love you as well.”

I was surprised for the woman to be my aunt. My dad never told me about her. It was awkward again, but at least I knew of another relative. I was satisfied with what my dad left. Him knowing what I wanted was enough of a bond for me.

The Hike

We walked along the rocky path. As we climbed higher and higher the steps became more steep. The sun beamed down like a laser only pointing at us. When were we ever going to stop. My breath was shortening, and I pleaded for a break. She insisted, “We have to keep going.” Why did I sign up for this?

When we first began I loved the thought of an adventure, especially with a new person. You could learn about a new place while getting to know the person as well. And she seemed different from the rest. Her blonde hair spread throughout, flowing like a river. Her beautiful skin, so soft and silky made her face even more beautiful. But that couldn’t compare to her personality. She was willing to do everything which assured me I’d have a chance with such an interesting person like her. She made me want to try new things and I was set on marrying her at this point, but I had only known her for a month.

She convinced me to go on a hike through Yellowstone National Park. Me, nerdy grad student going on a hike? I have never considered this before. But I was up to anything with her. If she gave me a chance then I can do new things with her. I didn’t even know how to prepare for the activity. The nerd that I am, I researched everything I could to prepare for the hike. In the end I thought I was an expert. Now I was ready to go.

A week later we left to go. She continuously explained to me how fun and intimate the trip would be. I could only take her word for it. Even though I looked up all the information I needed it wasn’t the same as actually experiencing it. It took us 2 days to drive there. But once we got there the scene was beautiful. How great the nature was, I never appreciated as much as I did in that moment. As soon as we got our supplies out she was excited. “Hurry let’s start now!” She exclaimed. No time was wasted and the hike began.

We traveled along at our own pace. I recognized the plants: the white geraniums, yellow violets, and evening primroses. The beauty in the flowers I had never seen before. And the wildlife so up close with the deers roaming and bears, I was nervous. But I knew I would never get this opportunity again. The hike continued. I didn’t really know our destination, but she seemed to know where she was going. I was enjoying the fresh air, and walking in awe.

As the day grew older I started getting tired. I was proud of myself for how far I had come, but I couldn’t take it much longer. My water supply was running low and I just wanted to sit down. I asked her can we start heading back. “Yea we can if you’re ready,” she said. We turned back around.

As we began to walk back, I realized the scenery was not the same as before. “Are you sure we went this way?” I asked her.

She responded with her sweet voice, “I believe this is the way we came.” She seemed unsure, but I could only take her word. I remained calm to not make the situation worse but I just wanted to return to the car. We went through several circles and I was becoming more fatigue. I just had to take initiative now in the situation because we weren’t getting anywhere. I asked her for the map. I noticed where we were now and trailed the map to where the car was. I began the walk and she followed behind. Now I saw all the plants from before and I gained reassurance that we were going the right way.

After 2 hours on the journey through the park, I finally saw our car sitting there. I’ve never been so happy to get in the car. I needed water, food, and rest. Now I just wanted to get home. With her beautiful eyes glistening at me she seemed surprised at me for being the leader. A new feeling  was shared between the two of us. “You ready to go?”

“Yes I’m as ready as you are.” We drove off into the sunset—home here we come.

The Pleasant Day

I actually thought today would be one of the better days.  I had so many hardships throughout my life that I appreciated the better days to come since I didn’t have them so often. When I got up that morning there seemed to be a happy mood throughout the shelter. Everyone was saying good morning, there was a nice breakfast— bacon, pancakes, eggs, apple juice. The day was pleasant and warm, but I couldn’t just stay to enjoy the moment; I had to get ready for school. I was excited for a pleasant day to come. Now was my chance to wear a nice outfit. I never get the chance to. Now everyone won’t look at me as the poor girl—they can notice a change for once. I had new confidence for the day, something I desperately needed.

I hurried on my way to school. As I walked in the door everyone stared. I finally had my own spotlight. All my insecurities dropped and I had the brightest glow illuminating throughout my body. Then suddenly Janet walked by, I knew she was going to say something. “Mary you look pretty today.” Janet said pleasantly. Really? This was the first time I could expect a compliment from her. I must look nice today. Her compliment was another addition to make my day better. If only Shaun notices me the day would be complete.

The school day was going by pretty fast. How thankful I am so I can go out and enjoy the beautiful day. I was now in my final period— Chemistry. I always looked forward to Chemistry. Not only because it was the last period, but also I could see Shaun. I was anxious to know what his reaction would be towards my new look.

Shaun did not know that I had a crush on him. He was just always a friend towards me, which I appreciated. Shaun didn’t judge me for living in the shelter or not having fancy clothes, just being friendly was all I could ask for. But having a class together we began growing closer and getting to know each other. He knew my situation, I shared my life story with him. Shaun knew about my mother abandoning me and how I landed in the shelter. I didn’t want to go to a foster home. It would make me feel worse about my mother if I lived with such a great family and I didn’t want to think about it. Living in the shelter would give me a chance to be independent and prepare my life for myself. Yeah things would get hard, but in the end I would be proud because I got through it myself. Shaun respected me. We had a personal connection, but it would only get as far as a friendship.

As I walked into Chemistry, I walked gracefully to my seat. I arrived to class early to prepare for Shaun’s arrival. More and more students began rushing in but Shaun had not came yet. The bell rang. He must didn’t come to school today. Disappointment ran through my body, all I wanted was for him to see me today. I didn’t pay attention throughout the class, my mind was just wandering. Now the bell rang— school was over.

I walked out of the school somberly. The beautiful day was ruined. I just walked throughout the park, I wasn’t ready to go back to the shelter. I would just enjoy the fresh air.  I bought an ice cream and sat on the bench. I decided that it was a pleasant day regardless.