Slice of Life: Friends

9. Only The Most Exotic Place

"We're leaving for Africa day after tomorrow," Maya told her friends. Her tone was indifferent, but the excitement shone in her eyes.

"You're so lucky," Sarosh said, with a dreamy look on her face. "I've never been to another city, let alone a different continent." Her parents weren't much of travelers. "Since grandma came to live with us, my parents have become even more boring than ever. It's like they fear something bad would happen to her if they so much as blinked."

"Well, she needs constant care and love. Dementia is brutal. I can understand their concerns, besides I don't think I'm lucky. I don't know why my parents love to travel," Maya said, shrugging. "But this time I'm actually excited."

"Why?" Sarah asked, interest shining in her eyes. She knew her friend had travel anxiety and if not for her parents, Maya wouldn't even leave the town for anything.

"Because it's Africa!" Maya exclaimed, twirling around the room. She was having a hard time sitting still.

"So?" Sarah said, not understanding the significance.

"You say this because you don't know where in Africa we're going," Maya paused dramatically.

"Where?" Sarah and Sarosh said at once.

"Madagascar." Now the girls looked thoroughly impressed. After all, it was the world's most exotic place. They could imagine the stories Maya would have to share when she got back. They would want to know everything. Through her, they could also experience Africa.

"Take a lot of photos."

"And don't forget to tag us in all your posts."

Sarosh and Sarah said at the same time, and then the three of them burst into uncontrollable laughter. Their friendship was beautiful and there wasn't a thing they would change about their lives. As long as they got to share it with each other, they would keep smiling.