𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 - It's not easy leaving home for the first time. Especially, if you're a young teenage girl going across country. For Winnie, this is her new reality. She's leaving her parents and the continent to follow her dreams.
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ʕ◕ᴥ◕ʔ ┊ 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙚'𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.♡◌ೄ
My heart begins to race as my parents and I drive closer and closer to the airport.
It's mostly due to nervousness or fear, but also the excitement! Today is the day to make my big journey to Korea to finally debut.
Now I'm not going to debut until next year and anything can happen like the company possibly canceled my debut. But that's not stopping me from feeling excited and motivated!
"We are almost there, Baby Bear." My Daddy said, "Are you nervous leaving by yourself?" He asked.
I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous traveling by myself. My parents couldn't afford to come with me to Korea so this is my first time traveling on a plane by myself.
"I don't know. I mean, as long as no one bothers me and I keep doing what I'm supposed to be doing then I should be fine." I answered him.
"Well if anyone talks to you or disrespects you then you can call me because I'll make your Daddy turn this car around if I have to!" Mama swore.
I see in the rear view mirror Daddy quickly moves closer to Mama. "Kimina!" He whispers, trying to scold his wife for her overprotective attitude.
"What?" Mama said, "You know grown strange men look for girls like Winnie out here. I don't care if we are in public, no one is going to hurt my baby even when I do go to heaven one day!"
I giggle at Mama's overprotective rant. But that's an African mother's for you! They will do anything to protect their babies even if it means hurting other people.
Gosh I love my Mama!
A couple of minutes passed and we arrived at General Mitchell International Airport or MKE for short.
Daddy stops the car at the terminal. I get out of the car and it also gets out and helps me with a huge metal case, my carry on duffel bag, and one small purse/bookbag.
"Alright, looks you're ready to go!" Daddy happily said.
Although, Daddy is a very positive and optimistic person, I can tell from his eyes he was emotional about me leaving.
Mama is too.
Last night I heard her through my bedroom walls crying.
Which is totally normal and understandable!
I am their only child! Their baby girl! The daughter who is sixteen years old is moving to a whole continent by herself to make her dreams come true.
So I understand why letting me go is used for them. Heck if I was in their shoes I would cry my heart out too!
Without any words, I pull those two in for a family hug. They hold me tight to the point where they're squishy to me.
But I didn't complain. I gave them the same energy towards them by holding them tight as if it's my last time seeing them again.
"Don't worry about Mom and I. Just focus on your work so you can unlock the potential you always had." Daddy said.
"That's right!" Mama added to the conversation by encouraging, "Don't let anyone stop your dream and position you fought so hard for, okay?"
A few tears form into my eyes.
Daddy and Mama knew the potential I had to become a singer ever since I was a small child.
They would make me sing in my church and school choirs or help me pick out a song for my school's talent shows.
Although sometimes my parents will push me a little too hard, I can't lie if it wasn't for them I won't have the vocal range I have today.
I hold back my tears and tell them that I won't let them.
"Don't worry, I will! I promise when I become famous and get our first award, you two will be the first people I thank."
My words only made them cry more and in response I continued to comfort them by patting their backs and saying it was going to be okay.
I kiss Mama and Daddy goodbye and after a couple of parting words, I walk inside the airport.
Turning around, I gave a big smile and wave to my parents. They wave back while wiping more tears out of their eyes.
But through sad eyes, it was also a sense of confidence and pride. Mama and Daddy are proud of me for making this far. And I have no doubt, this is what my parents want me to take rather than being here.
With confidence in myself, that's when I knew I can finally have the courage to leave home and follow my dreams with my parents no longer having to worry about me.
Although I am gotta miss my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I'm excited for the journey I'll take in Seoul, South Korea.
