Sanitorium (Roman Reigns Story)

Chapter 1: Part 1- California Dreamin'

I walk down Auburn Street for the last time. These daily walks have become a ritual for me, and something that I am going to cherish for a very long time. Hopefully I can return to Auburn Street one day to experience the wonder all over again. The faint whisper of the wind through the trees, the beautiful scenery of yellows, reds, oranges, and greens, the sweet scent of chestnuts, and, most importantly, the serene silence that I have been accustomed to since the tender age of three.

Yes, I will miss this place with all of my heart, but I know that change is necessary and I am looking forward to the move. I'd like to see how people on the other side live.

I walk to the breathtaking maple tree that I have sat under every day for the past eighteen years. It has always been my go-to for venting and finding ultimate peace. It has also helped me pass a lot of exams. It has been my backbone and I wish I could take it with me. One day I will have to come back to my tree.

I sit Indian style under my tree and close my eyes, taking in the fresh air and the tranquility of nature. Ever since I was little, I always enjoyed being outside. I felt like a caged animal if I didn't go somewhere. It doesn't get too hot or too cold here so I never had much of a problem with the weather being too extreme to enjoy the outdoors. My friends are the same way. We would always take long walks together and play in the fields. It brought us pure joy that no organized event at school or some electronic could mimic or replace. I hope they have lots of grass in California.

I feel the buzzing of my cell phone in my pocket. I take it out and flip it open to answer it.

"Hello?" I answer.

"It's time to go." My mom says on the other end.

I sigh. "Okay. Im coming. Bye." I close the phone and place it back in my pocket.

I stand up, taking one more look around and touching the bark on my tree, letting my energy mix with that of it, and start the trek back home.

By the time I get back home, my three best friends are at the door. I smile and walk on the porch, reaching my arms out for a very firm and long group hug.

"Im gonna miss you guys so much." I say, trying to hold back tears.

They smile at me and wipe their already wet eyes gently.

Mom comes out of the house and locks the door behind her, for the last time.

"Ready?" She says as she looks at me, a little sad.

I nod and get into the taxi. As we pulls off, I wave to my friends until my arm starts hurting. We drive off and I look out the back window as they disappear from sight. I turn back around, playing with my fingers, trying to suppress my sadness.

Mom fluffs my hair. "Don't worry Angel. You will enjoy this new place. Hopefully you can find as much peace here as you did back there. It's all in your mindset."

I nod and look at her. "Im going to make the best of it." I manage a half smile and she nods.

The ride to the airport is depressing. We go through all of the checks and make our way to the plane. I stare in awe at the sheer size of our plane. The only other thing that has made me feel this small is my tree. But my tree puts this airplane to shame. Still, its scary.

We board the plane and check our tickets for the seats. There are three seats so we are also sitting next to an old woman. Probably in her 70s. I don't mind though. Elderly people are very nice, at least, where I come from.

I cant seem to fall asleep on the plane, so I look out of the window. I've always been scared to ride on planes, but considering we have to be on this plane for five hours I might as well not freak out the entire ride there.