Saving Andrew

Chapter 1

Chapter 1
Maya: a new beginning

                                      Changes are difficult when you get used to a place and people. Leaving everything and everyone you know behind can be challenging yet exciting. You find yourself having all kinds of adventures and a girl like me—trust me—I am all in!

Hi! My name is Maya López. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I had a normal childhood, filled with the joys and chaos of a big family. I had an annoying little brother named Carlos, many cousins that I barely knew, loud aunts, and cool uncles from both sides of the family. Our lives were a vibrant tapestry of love and noise, everyone getting into everyone's business—annoying and scandalous, crazy but incredibly close.

We were so close that we often traveled the island together, sleeping in our cars under the stars, showering in waterfalls or beaches, and sharing every moment. This close-knit bond was a comfort and a constant in my life. It was this closeness that became our strength when my father was diagnosed with a rare condition that could only be treated in the United States.

The news hit us hard, but our family rallied together. We made the collective decision to move to Denver, Colorado, to ensure my father received the best care possible. It wasn't just my immediate family who made the move; my father's sisters, along with their husbands and children, all uprooted their lives to support us. The transition was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, hope, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving our beloved island behind.

The tribe consisted of Aunt Vivian, her husband, and their son Enrique, along with my parents, my brother Carlos, and me. And then there was my uncle and Aunt Carmelita, the sweetest and kindest person you could ever meet. She was younger than my dad and had a daughter, Anita. Anita was a quiet kid, someone I barely knew.

Now, about my dad, he was diagnosed with a weird condition, so we had to move. The process was easy; my Aunt Carmelita's husband had connections, and the relocation was quick. They went ahead, ensuring that everything was in order before our arrival. We had already sent our belongings to the new house, and my aunt, along with her husband, undertook the challenging task of organizing everything. Remarkably, they had it all set up by the time we got there.

Denver was a world apart from the tropical paradise I knew. The change in scenery was stark, but with my aunts and cousins around, it felt a little like home. We were starting a new chapter, not just as individuals, but as a family united by love and determination. The journey was just beginning, and though it was daunting, I knew that with my family by my side, I could face anything.

My parents made the tough decision to sell the house where my brother and I grew up, bidding farewell to the cherished memories of our best days. I had to part ways with my friends, especially my closest companion, Tina, and set forth on an adventure, with uncertainty as our only companion. Only destiny held the knowledge of what awaited us.

Arriving, my eyes landed on that beautiful house. A charming one-story structure, welcomed us with a cozy porch and a small yard encircled by a quaint fence. Upon entering, we discovered a spacious and unpretentious interior. It featured three bedrooms, a functional kitchen, a comfortable living room adorned with a pullout sofa, and a charming basement, thoughtfully redesigned by the previous owners before putting it on the market. Despite its modest size for our large family, the house proved to be both warm and functional

We got into the house arguing about how we would be distributed. My mom and dad were in the master room. My dad's older sister, Aunt Vivian, and her husband, Luis, in the basement, and their son Enrique would stay with my brother. My other aunt, Carmelita, with her husband, Pedro, sleeping in the living room, and their daughter Anita, an obnoxious teenager who only listened to music in her headphones, would share a room with me. Lucky me!