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The grass feels rough on the soles of my feet.My back is slumped against the mango tree.My hair is winded into a loose braid and white magnolia flowers stick out of my hair.Uneasiness crawls in my belly like an infant taking it's first steps.The pages of the book in front of me flutter like leaves in a storm.My eyes catch sight of a blue butterfly flying against the currents of the wind.I empathize with her plight.

Uncertainity bubbles inside me like a cauldron and overflows in the form of tears.Suddenly I'm scared.I feel the heat prick my bones like thin needles.I leave for my new school tomorrow.My mother went there and so did her mother.Legacies.Unmet expectations.I feel exactly like a preteen.Confused and misunderstood.My insides are in conflict whether to cry or laugh.I've dreamt of joining this prestigious instituition since I could kick in my mother's womb.Now as the wall clock chimes the hour, I dread the very thought of leaving amma's scenic beach facing house behind.The lazy summerdays have passed by with the speed of a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

My train of thought is interrupted by amma.Her old, wrinkled face peers through the gauze window with concern."Aria, no playing on the beach today?Go play baba.Anyway it's your last day,"she says.With my lower lip trembling violently, I run into the house and hug amma with all my might.She pats my hair soothingly and I can sense her eyes are moist with unshed tears.She takes me gently by the hand and makes me take a seat.Her grey hair looks tinged with silver and her skin glows in the early evening lights.Her eyes shine with wisdom.Her silence surprises me and unable to bear it any longer, I speak up.