Setting Sail to America

The alarm rings, it's 5am, still dark out and the house is silent. I get up, get dressed look around my room, pick up my suitcase and passport and head downstairs. My stomach is in knots, I am having second thoughts, maybe I was too ambitious, and I should just go back to bed. The house looked the same as any normal day, no obvious signs that I was about to leave the country and my family behind. My mum and dad walk downstairs in silence, my dad ties his shoes while my mother is still in her robe. The tears begin to flow. The next few moments are an emotional blur of goodbyes and I love yous. Now I really don't want to leave, I've made a stupid mistake. Before I know it I'm at the airport terminal, hundreds of people bustling by me trying to get to their flights, cars blaring horns for a parking spot. I hug my dad, walk in the terminal and I'm on my own. People run around me, yelling on their cell phones, no one even notices my tired, tearstained face. I check in and begin to wait and contemplate heading back home, my parents will understand. 9 hours and several alcoholic beverages later, I am face to face with a US Immigration Officer. 

"Purpose of visit?"

"School"

"Where?"

"UMBC"

Many stamping sounds followed by a grunt.

"Proceed"

I walk through the doors and finally a smile emerges, I'm here, and I'm about to begin the biggest adventure of my life. Bring it on America.

Point: Don't look back, only forward.

Word Count: 267

The Little Things in Life

Around 3pm, Monday through Friday, the tranquility suddenly bursts in to children's laughter and chatter. No matter the time of year, rain or shine, the Chapel Square playground is always vibrant and energetic late in to the evening. It's a place where children from every age come to play on the slides or chat at the benches, even the adult have a communal beer and cigarette while looking on from a distance. This playground brings the community together, from summer water fights to fall festivals to the neighbourhood Santa Clause handing out presents. Without this area the children would seek other methods of entertainment, some maybe not so harmless. There is always an adult to watch the children, and it makes for a safe, special and bonding environment for young and old. The seasons are ever changing but the laughter, at every 3pm, remains constant.

Map:

Word Count: 145