The Tradition

Chapter Four

I stand in front of the dusty, cracked mirror, and peer at my blurry reflection. Today's the big day. I'm wearing a blue silky dress which I had received from Mama for my birthday a few months ago. The tiny brown sandals on my feet match the color of my eyes. My wavy chocolate-colored hair is let out free and I place a small flower headband in it. The same flower headband I had received from Granny before she passed away.

I walk into the family room where Mama, Papa, and Accelyn await me. I crouch down in front of Accelyn and look into her large green eyes.

I hug her tightly and a few moments later, reluctantly let go of her. She pouts and wipes away her tears. My vision becomes blurry and I turn away, hiding my fear. Mama steps closer to me and embraces me.

"I love you, Alsephina," she whispers.

I gulp down a lump in my throat. "I love you too, Mama."

"Come back soon," Accelyn states, squeezing my hand. I nod my head and look away.

"Don't go...," Mama murmurs under her breath.

"Amelia...," Papa says, giving Mama a look. She sighs and nods her head.

I take one last look at my small home and wave goodbye to Mama and Accelyn. Papa is going to accompany me to the council building. I slip my arms through my backpack and head outside. The council building is a fifteen-minute-walk away from our house. Hand in hand, Papa and I start walking down the street.

"So, Alsephina. Are you excited?" Papa asks.

I shrug my shoulders and pick up the pace. "I'm not sure. I guess so."

He nods and looks ahead. I observe the scenery around me. There are children playing with each other and families hanging out together. My family is the only one in this neighborhood who is poor. We are the black sheep. I try to brush away the distressing thoughts from my mind and focus on the upcoming Tradition.

"Papa, how long do you think I will be gone?" I question.

He smiles. "I'm not sure, love, but Mama, Accelyn, and I will all wait for you. As long as it takes."

I nod. I'm not sure if his words soothe me or make me feel even more guilty. I'm leaving my beloved family all alone. I can't return empty-handed. I won't.

Papa and I walk in silence as we pass a park. From the corner of my eye, I see a blond-haired girl standing in front of the swings.

"Asher!" I call out to her.

She notices me. "Alsephina! Good luck, my friend"

I beam. "Thanks."

We walk ahead of the park and I quickly turn around and wave goodbye to Asher. I don't know when I'll see her again.

"We're here," Papa says.

I look up and see the council building. Many young adults are standing around and waving goodbye to their families.

Papa sighs. "This is it."

My eyes well up with tears. I lunge towards him and hold him tight. He wraps his arms around me. "Take care of Accelyn," I say. He tightens his grip. "Always."

We finally let go and Papa wipes away his tears. "I love you, Alsephina."

"I love you, Papa." I watch him walk away, his body moving farther and farther away. That's when I realize. I'm alone.