The Girl in Manhattan

• Home away from Home •

Stepping over the threshold of the house a smell surpassed her airways, unlocking memories Kayla forgot that she had. Her mothers house always smelled like fresh linen with a hint of lime? Maybe it was the washing powder she used in the house or maybe it was the soap, whatever it was, as soon as she smelt the scent she immediately thought of Lorraine. As Kayla roamed the corridors of the house aimlessly, she traced her fingers across each wall, Asif going over the patters of the wallpaper or paint that neighboured the windows. This made her feel small again. When Kayla's life was easier than what it was now, a lot easier.

Coming to the door of her old bedroom she opened the handle with a twist to the right first, then to the left. It was as though she had never forgotten that her bedroom door had to open a certain way. Kayla smiled. She had always loved the way her door opened like this. Most people, you would think, would hate it, but not Kayla. She thought it made her room unique because only people who were close to her knew the right way to get in. I guess in my eyes, I see it as you would never need a lock on your bedroom because nobody else would know how to get in.

Staring at the door, a memory of Sammy came across her mind. When Kayla had her door replaced, she was around 9 years old, meaning Sammy had just turned 11. Kay noticed the funny way that her door opened and only told her best friend the correct way to get in, 'its like a secret password!' kay exclaimed. 'That is so cool Kay!' Sammy said with a sense of excitement in her voice. I'm pretty sure that's how the conversation played out. Anyway, that same evening, Sammy and Kayla settled down to watch a movie in Kayla's bedroom. Sammy was always a mischievous character so she thought it would be a funny trick to play on their parents as they tried to get into Kayla's bedroom. 'Mom! Come here.' Sammy yelled, trying not to expose her laughter. A rush of footsteps sounded across the hallway and a stop came to Kayla's bedroom and a rattle of the door handle was heard. Sammy, unable to control her laughter, burst into a fit of giggles along with Kayla as Lorraine replied with a hint of laughter 'What are you two crazy girls doing?'

That memory of Kayla's was one of her favourites, almost like a core memory that every time she thought about it, serotonin chemicals were released throughout her body, sending rivers of happiness through her bloodstream.