ᴏɴɪᴋᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴀᴊ
Toronto, Ontario 📍
Omari and I had just stepped off Aubrey's plane, and I could feel the cool air wrap around me as soon as I stepped out. Omari was still asleep, his head resting against my shoulder, his little breaths steady.
I didn't want to wake him, so I just let him sleep as I followed Aubrey's driver, Meechie, toward the car.
The trip had been long, but everything about it felt surreal—like stepping into a new chapter, one I wasn't sure I was ready for.
Meechie helped Omari into the backseat, and I slid in beside him, watching as the car pulled away from the airport and into the streets of Toronto.
The snow had started falling just as we left the airport, the soft flakes floating down.
I couldn't help but look out the window, taking it all in.
It was beautiful.
But the real surprise came when we first boarded the plane.
Aubrey had gone all out—there were so many gifts laid out for us. I wasn't expecting it at all.
There were plush blankets, travel snacks, and even a little toy truck for Omari, which made me smile when I saw him clutching it tightly in his sleep now.
It was like Aubrey was trying to make sure we felt welcome.
I ran my fingers over the plush blanket wrapped around me now, a soft smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
It kinda felt strange, being here. Aubrey's world—his life—was so different from mine. I couldn't help but wonder how all of this was going to fit together, how I was going to fit into it.
But for now, all I could do was take it one moment at a time.
Meechie glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "You okay back there?"
I nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yeah. Just taking it all in."
"First time in Canada, right?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said. "I'm used to the cold from New York, but this... feels different."
He grinned. "Trust me, you'll get used to it."
I appreciated his reassurance. I let the peaceful silence fill the car again, watching as the city slipped by.
Omari stirred beside me, yawning and stretching. I turned my attention to him, and he smiled sleepily up at me. His little hand reached out for his toy truck, and I couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Feeling better?" I whispered to him.
He nodded, his eyes barely open. "Yeah... Can I see the snow?"
I smiled, lifting him gently, and he leaned over the seat to get a better look out the window. His eyes lit up as he saw the snow falling, his little fingers pressing against the cold glass. "It's so pretty," he said softly.
I nodded. "Yeah, it really is."
-
We finally made it to Aubrey's place. The drive seemed to stretch on forever, but when we reached the gate, it opened slowly, and I could see the long driveway ahead.
A bunch of cars were already parked, filling up the space in front of the house.
Omari sat up, his eyes bright with curiosity as he peered out the window. "Who's here?" he asked, clearly wondering about all the vehicles.
