Superhero Boy
Her mother stood at the far end of the hospital room. It smelled clean and of disinfectants, as all hospitals do. She was used to these scents — her father was a doctor, after all. The Texas sun was shining brightly through the window; the girl had to squint as she moved closer to her mother. She was excited to see him, her new little brother. The woman leaned down, pulling back the soft blanket to reveal his round, brown face. His eyes were so big. Almond-shaped. The little girl stepped back in surprise. “His eyes are so beady!” She exclaimed, a tinge of curiosity and maybe even love in her voice. She grinned in awe. Her mother shushed her.
San Juan
The winds are very strong down here. Food scents wafted from open restaurant windows lined along the street. Trying to get a closer look, she pressed her face against the car window as her mother talked to the driver from the passenger’s seat. There was so much to see in this town. It amazed her. The thought of all the things she would do throughout her stay grew butterflies in her stomach. The cold pool, warm beach, books with virgin piña coladas… the possibilities were endless! She would soon learn that mofongo is a great dish best served with traditional sauce, and if you seem very mature and are surrounded by adults, waiters will think that you’re one too and mistakenly offer you a free glass of mimosa for International Women’s Day. Of course, it would be intercepted by the adult sitting across from you, but it’s the thought that counts.
Freshman Year
The girl stood in a tight huddle with her mother and younger sister in her new dorm. The room was empty save for a bare twin-sized bed, a dresser, and a desk. Although it symbolized new beginnings, the uncertainty of a new place made complete with new experiences and new people scared her. What if this was the wrong decision? “You can do this,” her mother interrupted her thoughts, reassuring her. The girl’s sister nodded in agreement. Holding each other’s hands, the three women began to pray. Her mother’s comments filled her with hope and strength. With renewed confidence, she hugged and kissed her family good-bye. Just like her parents did in the decades before, the girl would forge a new legacy in the years to come.