This had been Toni's dream since she could remember, and finally, she was here: New York City. As it was Christmas, the city was brightened by snow and festive lights. People of all colors filled the streets, all looking just as excited as Toni was. Everyone here was just like Toni, but at the same time, completely different. You see, everyone here had wanted to come to New York, just like Toni. But they all wanted to come for different reasons, and all started wanting to come at different times.
Everything was so different, and it excited Toni. She felt like everything was a mystery, and the world was ready for her to mold it. She felt like every billboard, every rude person, every taxicab, every whistle, was calling out to her, "Welcome to New York!"
She found the flat she was renting, dropped her suitcase and backpack off -- she'd unpack later --, and then went back outside, ready to explore this huge, gorgeous city. She was open-minded, and knew that, no matter what, she could learn to call this place home. Toni whistled for a taxi, and hopped in.
She looked up at the driver, and noticed that he was singing along to the radio, perfectly on-key. She smiled, remembering that she had wanted to be a singer as well, when she was younger. As they passed Broadway, Toni saw signs advertising The Boy From Oz, Finding Neverland, and Mamma Mia!.
Once again Toni noticed several differences between her hometown of Jackson, Wyoming and her new home of NYC. And once again, she felt like everything was calling to her, saying, "Welcome to New York!"
Like finding lakes, everything was an interesting mystery. Like the castle from Tuesdays at the Castle, everything was constantly changing. Like being in love, everything could drive a person crazy, but no one would ever want to change anything. And if they did, they could.
Everything was different, but everyone loved it. Everything was bright, but no one was blinded. Everything was calling out, inviting people to explore, and welcoming everyone. Welcoming everyone to New York.
