Finding you

Chapter 1

I'm sitting on the bus, looking outside. Birds are flying in the sky, and I see trees along the road. We are passing by a beautiful park. The next stop is mine; as soon as the bus stops, I get up and step out. I'm on my way to my parents' house, just a three-minute walk from the bus stop. As I look around, I see the impressive buildings of New York, the trees, and the park we just passed. The birds are chirping happily, and I enjoy the sun's rays on my face. I love summer in New York. It's the most beautiful season, not because I'm named after the month of June, but simply because summer is always so lively and warm. Every day is warm weather, every day eating ice cream, and just walking around New York in my flip-flops.

After a few minutes of walking, I arrive at my parents' house. Since I moved to my own apartment, the house feels empty. My parents live there alone now. I have one older brother and two older sisters. Everyone had already left home when I was still a little teenage girl. And when I left home, it became an empty nest. My parents hesitated and still hesitate to move, but they just can't let go of the house. Our family grew up here, and we've experienced so much in this house; they just can't leave it behind. I knock on the door and hear sounds from the hallway. I hear my mother's voice. She opens the door exuberantly. She looks happy. "Come in, dear," she says. I step inside and walk through our hallway with the bright blue walls and the family photos. I walk towards the living room. Our living room is large, very large. Nothing has changed since I left. I still see the bright pink coffee table and the beige couch. The big TV and the pink chair in the corner are still there. I sit down on the couch. My mother sits next to me and gives me a hug. It's been three months since I last saw them. I work in New York, for a marketing agency specializing in fashion. I live a bit further away, close to my work. I have my own little apartment. Not too big, just perfect for myself.

"Would you like something to drink, June?" asks my father. "A little water, please."

My mother starts talking about everything: her work, the house, the neighbors... Meanwhile, my father brings me my water.

"How's work, June?" asks my mother. "Good, it's a nice job and I've already made a lot of new friends." I've had this job for four months now. Before this, I was still studying. So, it's actually my first real job. But I really like it. I have nice colleagues and I do things that really interest me.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you and so proud of you," says my mother.

I'm having such a good time that I completely lose track of time. It's already five o'clock, time to leave. I say goodbye to my parents and head back to the bus stop. I see the sun between the buildings. I look around. After a few minutes of walking, I arrive at the bus stop. Just in time. I see the bus arriving. The bus stops, and I step in. The bus is empty. I sit in the back, put my earphones in, and listen to music. Eventually, I arrive at the bus stop near my apartment. I press the stop button and step out. I see the apartment building where I live. It has a dark green facade with black windows. I take my keys out of my pocket and open the door. The building is old and has no elevator, so I have to climb all eight flights of stairs to get to the fourth floor, where my apartment is.

Exhausted, I arrive on the fourth floor. I open the door and enter my apartment. I come directly into the living room. The living room has large windows. I see the sun slowly setting. I put my bag on the kitchen counter, which is connected to the living room, and sit down on the couch. I look out the window. I stare outside for five full minutes and then decide to start cooking. I make spaghetti, my favorite dish. With a full stomach, I get up and go to the bathroom to get ready for the evening. I do my skincare routine, put on my pajamas, brush my teeth, and go back to the living room. I sit on the couch, turn on the TV, and continue watching my series. After two episodes, I decide to go to sleep. It was a fun day, but busy. I have to get up early tomorrow. I just received a message from my boss. I need to be at work half an hour earlier tomorrow; my boss has something important to share. I go to my bedroom, lower the curtains, and crawl into bed. I quickly check my phone. I look at my missed messages. I see a message from Lily, my best friend. I miss you, we really need to hang out again!! xxx Lily. I smile, put my phone on my nightstand, and turn off my nightlight. I close my eyes and fall asleep.