The Arrival

A story of new beginnings, submitted anonymously by ZZY.

The plane landed swiftly and soundly at the illuminated airport in the early morning. That was late June of 2017, the day of a new beginning, a new life. I was 12, full of idiosyncratic imagination and hope.

A day ago before the plane ride, I was still standing on the ground of that ancient and quaint country I grew up in. But at that age, I had no nostalgic feelings for it. I only focused on dragging the ginormous baggage while tightly holding a flaming red passport with a wrinkled plane ticket in it, careless of the friendships and connections I’ve left behind. Soon, I boarded the plane to the US with my parents. My heart was pounding with excitement thinking of my new "American" life. All I cared about was tasting cheeseburgers and having a minimum amount of homework when I go to school. Little did I know, this might be my last glance at this country for at least 4 years. I sat by the window and watched Beijing from above with ebullient and childish excitement. But m

y parents’ eyes were gloomy and troubled, shadowed by the midnight sky.

After we’ve made through the securities, my cousin greeted us under the fluorescent and blinding airport lights. I was overwhelmed by the s

udden change of scenery: the letters on signs instead of Chinese characters, the spacious airp

ort, and the different colors of skin around us. For they were all reminding me of the reality that I will be living in a different country now. Despite all the welcomes and hellos, my cousin directly looked at me and said “your life has changed completely now, don’t waste it!” I barely remember the exact moment or sentence, as I was too eager to savor the attracting frappuccino. The sweet taste of the sugary cream lingered in my mouth as I watched the road lights gleam, wishing for a future as fantastic as the drink.

To be Continued,

Thank you for reading!

- ZZY