a Ri

ppy

ime la

feel different, not only because I'm turning eighteen, but because I know I'll finally break out of my cocoon. I smile and l

m, Mrs. Salinas and her husband, some neighb

d Abuela (Grandma) is holding a

Mom says, her

eyes and blow, opening them to see the flame go out. "I just

se I don't have a favorite or a special person. Of course, I love my mother, but everyone

•••∞•

irthday ever! Even though Mom insisted on giving me a glamorous party with frilly dresses and a waltz. However, I wou

hand, look to the side, and Mom loo

's just

ays, smiling with tears in her eyes. "Your father would be too... we're so proud, right, Mom?" sh

ndmother kind of adopted her as a daughter. Seeing the two of them like thi

e care of yourself, my daughte

take care of myself,"

n't forget that when you get there, you need to

lasses start. I'll have some time, and I've already m

ove, it's jus

lpless as I used to be. I'll know how to take care of myself,

cing me, just like she used to do when I

st hers, and we spin it until on

. I left a good portion of the money that your

we let go of each other's ha

you, daughter," she s

ome here, it's far, and the travel time is tiring.

okay!

to gate AL 3679 with destination to Bos

my bag with my English book, which will be

s me tightly, almost suffocating me, but I take advantage of the seconds there and deeply inhale the

her that I used to run when I was scared, or when I needed her the most on stormy nights... she was there, holding me in her arms. I wipe away a tear and hear th

both of them look at me in astonishment. But they smile, I step back and walk towards the boarding gate, taking

ith my boarding pass and backpack that meet the airline's regulations, I complete the inspection process and have immediate access to the boarding area. I double-check the flight time and gate on the var

g call for the flight to Boston. Please proceed t

how boarding will work and which priority groups will enter the aircraft. I check my boarding pass and confirm my group identification and boarding time, as well as the flight duration. Mom said that selecting groups makes boarding easier and

he hands me the papers b

hrough the glass corridor, where I can se

ing hands with his mother. "They're so big, mom! Th

t's go, or we'll miss the flight,

lane door, I present the papers in my hands again and am allowed to ente

morning! Could you help

the row you're sitting in, the letter indicates the position of the seat, which can be window, middle or aisle on both sides. Above each row, there's a seat location identification. Just follow the pattern and sit. If someone is in your seat, talk to

your help," I smile at he

again, I know it's going to be a long flight!" I nod my h

bound for Boston. Fasten your seat belts and after a few minutes, the flight attendant will start giving safety instructions

y eyes and hold on to my seat firmly. When I open my eyes, I look out the window and finally appreciate the view and the city that begins to shrink below. It's really excitin