Seven Minutes After I Die

Beyond Borders

I settled into my seat for the next flight, filled with excitement as the plane slowly moved away from Dubai. My desires took flight along with me. I couldn't believe it, How had this happened? Who changed my destiny? I told myself, "YOU CHANGED YOUR DESTINY, ANNA!" Yes, it's me.

Suddenly, thoughts of the letter I left behind at my mom's bookstore flooded my mind, The blood colored seal, the letter, the transparent wardrobe, and the feather which kept me awake. I couldn't sleep; anxiety filled my heart. My journal was the only thing that could relieve me from it. So, I grabbed my vintage diary given to me by my mom. As I opened it, the word LETTER caught my eye, written in my mom's handwriting. I couldn't bring myself to read it. What was going on? Had Mom read my letter? My eyes were red, and my free-flowing hair was disheveled. I took off the stylish band from my hand and tie my hair, trying to calm down for a minute. I opened the diary again-inside was a letter written by my mom.

Dear Anna,
I hope this letter finds you filled with happiness. I know how much you cherish receiving letters from me, so I wrote this one imagining the joy it will bring you. The image of your happiest face crossed my mind as I penned these words. Anna, remember, Mama will always be there for you through all your ups and downs. I'm going to miss you, and I love you dearly, Anna. We are always here to fulfill the desires of your heart.

As your mom, nothing would make me happier than seeing you achieve all your dreams. Ryan and you are our world! My life gained true meaning when you came into it. Thank you, Anna, for being the best daughter a mother could ask for.

One more thing, your letter is safe in our bookstore. Please don't worry about it. I understand how much that letter means to you. I won't ask about its contents until you decide to share it with me. I eagerly await the moment when you do. I'm waiting to hear you say, Mom, the letter has been fulfilled.

lots of love from your mom!! Happy journaling, my lovely daughter!!

It made me cry to see how much importance my mom gave to my letter. But the skeptical part of me thought she might have read it. How bad I am!

I grab my phone and texted Mama,
Thank you for being the best mama in the world. I am not sure how I can ever repay your love, Mama. You are the best mom in the world. You made me who I am today. What has this poor Anna done to deserve a mom like you? You are the most precious gift in my entire journey. Your love is my strength, and your wisdom is my guide. Lots of love from Anna. Miss you, Mama.

One more hour to reach my destination. Millions of thoughts are crossing my mind. The major one is what I shall do if I don't get a solo room. I don't need any roommates. I want to be alone. I can't live with anyone. I have decided that if I don't get a private room in the hostel, I'll rent a room just for myself.
I'm a bit nervous too because I've never been to other country. I completed my schooling in Indonesia, so a mixture of nervousness and excitement fills my heart. I can't even imagine how my life will be in Oxford. It is in time's hands.

My eyes filled with tears as my flight slowed down at airport. Nothing makes one happier than achieving their dreams. I did it. I made it. The flight descended from the clouds, but I'm on cloud nine. New hope welcomes me. A new chapter of my life begins where my destiny has changed. I admire the new Anna, who never used to go alone to school, but whose determination now allows her to stand alone here. The flight stopped, my chapter starts.....

As I stepped out of the flight, mist welcomed me like a gentle embrace from nature itself. It was a heavenly bliss, and to this day, remains the happiest moment of my life. Words cannot capture this happiness I felt with each step onto the soil, where every breath seemed infused with anticipation and wonder.

I booked an Uber. I let my hair down, and my sunglasses are in my hair as I make my way through immigration customs and complete all the formalities. With ecstasy in my heart, I exit the airport to explore the world. I find my cab and leave the luggage trolley outside. The driver helps me lift my luggage into the cab. I settle into my seat; it's time to head to...

Leaving the airport, I stepped onto a journey of new experiences. It greeted me with bustling streets, towering buildings, and marvelous architecture. Soon, Slowly rolled in to the countryside, filled with greenery and centuries-old cottages. I couldn't control my zest for the old cottages; I just wanted to live there. Will my dream come true? The old cottages, with their French-style fences and lush greenery, seemed to call to me. In a fraction of a second, I imagined living in one of those old century cottages. I marveled at the simplicity and charm of English country life.

I was a bit tired from the travel, so I didn't go to Oxford right away. Instead, I made my way to the hostel. I reached there and stepped down from my cab. Taking a deep breath, I approached the entrance area.
They greeted me with a charming smile.
"Hello, Ma'am. I'm Anna, coming from Indonesia," I said in a polite and melancholy voice.

"Welcome, Anna. Can you provide your identification, please?" Yes, sure, Ma'am.

"Here it is," I said, handing over my ID card.

After completing the check-in process, I received my room key and got to know some more details about the hostel. I headed to my room with a feeling of relief and excitement. I opened the door, eager to see what was inside.

The room was filled with a white vibe, a comfortable bed, a study table, a cupboard, and another table to arrange necessary things. I entered my room with full happiness and lay on my bed for a minute, then I contacted my family. I called my dad.

"Dad, your daughter is now in Oxford!"

"That's great, my little princess," Dad said.

"Sam, who are you speaking with?" Mom asked.

"It's Anna," Dad said.

My mom grabbed the mobile from him.

"Anna, my love, have you reached safely? Do you like it there? Is everything fine? How are you? Have you had breakfast? Have you made any friends? Are people kind to you?" My mom threw a million questions at me in a minute.

I'm doing good, Mom. Everything is fine here. I made my way straight to the hostel, so I haven't met anyone yet, Mama," I said.

"Sounds good. Okay, Anna. Take a rest. We'll call you later," Mom said.

Even though I got what I desired, thoughts of Indonesia still crossed my mind. Nothing feels like home. I opened my window, felt the new air, a new hope. I unpacked my luggage and arranged everything in my cupboard.

I relaxed and went to the mess hall to have my breakfast. There, I met many people and we got to know each other.

"Hello, I'm Elsa," she said.

"Hello, I'm Anna from Indonesia," I replied.

"Wow, that's great. I've always wanted to visit Indonesia. Anyways, I'm from Sweden," she said.

"It was on my bucket list," I said.

"Glad to hear," Elsa replied.

It didn't seem like a minute had passed since we met, as our conversation flowed so naturally and we became close.

"Okay, Elsa, we'll meet at lunch," I said.
We smiled at each other.
I made my way to room and I'm exhausted. So I slept.....