ERASING THE PAIN

A SUMMER IN MEXICO

The idea to go to Mexico was a spontaneous one, sparked over a family dinner the night after graduation. Daniel, always the adventurous twin, had his eyes set on one last trip before we all got swallowed up by our new lives—Andrew and me with med school, and Daniel with law. I wasn't surprised when he brought it up. He'd been talking about a big adventure since we were kids, always wanting to explore the world before getting too serious about anything.

"It's our last chance to be free, Cal," Daniel said, tossing a casual glance at Andrew, who was sitting beside me on the couch. "You and Andrew are about to be drowning in med school textbooks, and I'll be buried under law briefs. Let's take a break before the madness starts."

I didn't need much convincing, and neither did Andrew. After years of hard work, we deserved a little freedom. Mexico felt like the perfect escape.

We landed in Cancún on a sweltering early summer morning, the heat thick and welcoming. The second we stepped off the plane, Daniel stretched his arms wide and inhaled deeply, like he was already drinking in the vacation spirit. "Smell that? That's the scent of adventure," he said with a grin, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

I couldn't help but smile. Mexico already felt different—a world away from the life we were leaving behind, and the one we were about to start. Andrew nudged me with his elbow. "Are you ready for this?" he asked, his voice laced with excitement.

"I think I am," I replied, glancing between him and Daniel. "This is going to be fun."

And it was.

We spent our first few days wandering the streets of Cancún, soaking in the vibrant colors, the music, and the laid-back atmosphere. Daniel, as usual, took the lead, guiding us through crowded markets where the smell of spices hung heavy in the air. We bought trinkets and souvenirs, haggling with vendors in broken Spanish. I found a beautiful silver bracelet for Mom, and Daniel picked out a handwoven bag for our dad, making jokes about how Dad would have no idea what to do with it.

Andrew stayed close, his hand often brushing against mine as we walked through the bustling streets. It felt strange but comforting to have him with us—like he was becoming a part of my world, not just as a boyfriend but as someone who fit in seamlessly with my family.

"Have you told Andrew we're twins?" Daniel asked me one evening while Andrew was off buying drinks. We were sitting by the beach, watching the sunset cast a warm orange glow over the ocean.

"I don't think it's come up," I admitted. "I mean, we don't exactly look alike."

Daniel chuckled. "Yeah, it's not like we're identical. But still, it's part of the deal. Andrew should know he's dating both of us."

I laughed. "You're such a dork."

Andrew returned, handing us each a cold bottle of water. He settled in beside me, and Daniel, always the conversationalist, took the opportunity. "So, Andrew, Callie told you we're twins, right?"

Andrew looked between us, eyebrows raised in amusement. "Twins? No way. I thought you were just best friends." He laughed.

"Best friends and twins," Daniel said, a mischievous grin on his face. "We're kind of a package deal."

Andrew chuckled, his hand resting casually on my knee. "Good to know. I guess that means I have to impress you too, huh?"

Daniel gave him a playful look. "You're doing alright so far, Travis. Just don't mess it up."

One of the highlights of the trip was a spontaneous decision to go snorkeling off Isla Mujeres. The water was crystal clear, a stunning turquoise that seemed almost unreal. We rented gear from a local shop and found ourselves gliding through the water, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and schools of brightly colored fish.