Eísai o kósmos mou (You're my world)

Thornbush, my forever home

          The winter air nipped at frostbitten windows in the small town of Thornbush, Colorado. The night sky was painted with speckled stars and swirls of green-blue galaxy's. Snow danced as if it were ballerinas performing 'Swan Lake'. I glanced over at my brother who was fast asleep then over at the boxes scattered around our now dull room. New paint covered the walls, hiding the imperfections and memories. I didn't want this night to be over, I couldn't bear leaving this town. I've never truly been outside these house walls, let alone this small community. I could feel my nails sink deeper into my skin, but I didn't let go. I needed to stay awake, I needed to make this last. I let the tic of the clock ring in my ears to keep me focused. I bit my hands, rocked back and forth, I did anything I could. But my efforts were not enough, my eyes grew heavier with each blink. The cycle of fighting off sleep continued till my eyes became too heavy to hold.

          I abruptly shot my eyes open as the sheets flew off of me. "Rise and shine my kósmos, The trucks will be here soon." I could see my brother try to grab the blanket from my mom as she laughed. "No time for games Leon, you have to help your sister check if she has everything." She then glanced over at me while an apologetic smile, "I know you're worried Neoma, but remember what Dr. Garcia told you?" I nodded and looked over at my brother who was grinning ear to ear.

          "Ma!" Leon bellowed, "I think the movers are here early." My mothers face soon wore a look of fear as she looked out our window. She swiftly left the room while Leon pulled me off the bed. "I have to let Scott out, can you start taking our things down?" I nodded as he walked out the door. I took in the room one last time as I picked up the fist box I saw. I walked to where my mom was standing with the movers. I tried to keep my presence unknown as I dropped off all the boxes to and from my room. But now every time I'd go to put a box down, I could feels eyes on me. I wasn't able to put the box I was holding down, my hands were shaking too much for comfort. I rushed back to my now old room and sat in the closet petting my hair to calm my nerves. I could hear my mom coming in and out while I started feeling shame and guilt build up. I didn't want to be useless, I wanted to help, but my anxiety got the best of me. After what felt like hours, the closet door opened revealing Leon and Scott. A hand was offered my way and I gladly took it. Leon handed me our dog's leash as I was directed out to the front door. I closed my eyes when I saw the movers, I couldn't bare to see what looks they were giving me.

          "Open your eyes sis, we're at the car." I sighed in relief while getting into the old SUV. I quickly put my blanket on me and the dog as Leon scooted next to me. I laid my head on his shoulder as he put his head on mine. The car engine started as my mom thanked the men and women.

          "Who has an idea for games to play on the way there?" Leon whined.

          "Maybe the license plate game," I suggested.

          My brother groaned, "you're only saying that because you're good at it.

          My mom laughed, "I think that's a wonderful idea, maybe we can get your brother to actually use that brain of his." My brother started cussing out my mom as I laughed.

          "Watch that mouth of yours, we're in a car, not on a pirate ship." the car started moving as she said that. I hasetly looked out the window determined to beat my brother while he did the same. As our eyes searched vigorously for new plates, the soft snores of a dog sleeping were heard. Pennsylvania, New York, Virgina, ect... I didn't expect to see as many different plates as I did. Soon we didn't see many cars, only fresh fluffy snow on the road. I was able to relax and stopped stressing about the outside world. I was safe in the car, no one would be out to get me. I felt normal, and smiled when I saw rabbits and doe skurry into the brush. I watched birds play tag and hummed and random melodies. My mother glanced back at me in the rearview mirror and smiled. She knew deep down my calm state wouldn't last, but didn't want to ruin the moment.