In Her Own Footsteps

XVI

"Do I really have to learn French?" Connor's voice filled with reluctance.

The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow through the windows of their home. Aanya and Connor sat at their respective desks, as they reflected on the progress they had made. The air was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, tinged with a hint of nervousness for the journey ahead.

Aanya sighed, preparing herself for the familiar conversation. "Yes, if you want to communicate effectively while we're in Mauritius."

"But, French is so hard..." Connor's voice trailed off, a tinge of frustration seeping through his words.

As their preparations for the year-long move unfolded, the to-do list seemed never-ending. They had to cancel their lease, sell their furniture, ship their belongings, and secure a new home in Mauritius. However, the timing of their departure depended on the Department of Homeland Security issuing Aanya the necessary travel documentation—a vital piece of paper for her smooth return to the United States.

"Don't worry, Connor. Learning French isn't as challenging as it seems. There are simple ways to get started," Aanya reassured him, mustering her patience. "Besides, I'd argue that English can be even trickier!"

Connor's eyes met Aanya's, a mix of reluctance and determination in his gaze. He took a deep breath, ready to embrace the challenge ahead. "Okay then! I'll try," he reluctantly agreed. "But promise me you'll be patient and not get mad at me when I struggle."

"Sure, I promise," Aanya relented. "By the way, have you applied for a passport online yet?" She double-checked, making sure all the necessary procedures were in order.

"Not yet! I'll do it soon."

"Do it right now!" Aanya insisted. "You never know how long it will take."

"Okay!" Connor acquiesced. "Oh, speaking of passports, I can't wait to see what Indigo's passport looks like."

"I know!" Aanya exclaimed, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Me too! Although technically, it's more like a health card confirming her fitness to travel."

The walls surrounding Aanya's desk were a colorful mosaic of sticky notes, meticulously arranged to capture every detail of their upcoming move. Each sticky note held a specific purpose, neatly categorized into sections that encompassed immigration procedures, US affairs matters, and all things related to Mauritius.

Across the room, Connor had his own set of lists, a paper trail of tasks that needed his attention. Informing his employer about the temporary relocation, ensuring everything was taken care of for their cat, Indigo, and navigating the immigration procedures for his own move to Mauritius were among the top priorities.

The visual tapestry of reminders and notes on the walls became a source of motivation for Connor and Aanya. They were not just moving their physical belongings; they were orchestrating a seamless transition from one chapter of their lives to the next.

As Aanya surveyed her notes, she couldn't help but smile. Each sticky note represented a small victory, a task completed, and one step closer to their dream. From visa applications to shipping logistics, every aspect of their move was carefully accounted for. It was an intricate puzzle, and they were determined to piece it all together flawlessly.

Meanwhile, Connor's list served as his compass, guiding him through the necessary actions to make their dream a reality. The paperwork and procedures may have seemed daunting, but with Aanya's father's invaluable guidance, Connor felt a sense of assurance. Together, they navigated the intricacies of Mauritian law, their shared determination fueling their progress. Fortunately, the forms and requirements for his immigration were considerably simpler compared to the labyrinthine maze of the US immigration system.