48 parts Complete MatureI never thought a spontaneous trip to Fiji would change my life. I was just Max Vito, a regular Hispanic- Italian guy from Havana Cuba looking to escape the city's noise. I had been talking to a girl online for eight months now and she invited me to her country for one of her religious holidays, The Festival Of Lights- Diwali. It sounded like the perfect way to experience something new, something beautiful, what I didn't expect was to find myself living with Aelia's family, surrounded by traditions I'd never known, in a place that felt more like home than anywhere else, from the moment I stepped into their world, I was welcomed with open arms. Aelia's family didn't just invite me to celebrate Diwali- They showed me what it meant to belong. They taught me the significance of lighting the Diyas to chase away the darkness, shared their stories of faith, hope, and renewal, and invited me into their nightly celebrations, where the air smelled of incents and the sounds of laughter echoed through the streets. And there was Aelia, unlike anyone I'd ever met- beautiful with a quiet strength that made me want to know everything about her. As I learned about her family's traditions I realized I was also learning more about her. The way she cared for her family, her older brother and I became best friends instantly, Aelia looked at the world with wonder, it's impossible not to fall for her, How could I tell her?
The festival was supposed to be a temporary stop, a quick visit before I returned to my old life. But as each day passed, I found myself questioning whether I could leave. Fiji had given me more than an adventure, it had given me a glimpse of something I didn't know I was missing. A place where traditions, love, and light filled the air. Now as the Festival nears its end, I'm faced with a choice, go back to the life I knew, or stay in this Island Paradise where I've found more than just myself- I've found a family, a culture and maybe the love of my life.
