Querencia Final

    As I hop into the car, I sigh deeply in frustration knowing that I've got an endless to do list awaiting my arrival. The twenty mile drive from Moanalua to Ewa eats up thirty minutes of time designated for homework, chores, dinner, and sleep. After finally making it past the construction scene, it's break free for about five minutes until we face another set of vehicles backed up. Red lights twinkle like the stars in the night sky as the cars in front of us begin to brake. Each car waits anxiously for the red circle to turn green as the blinking hand becomes still. When the green light appears, all the cars rush past the light hoping to make it before it turns yellow.

   Finally making our way home, I walk up the lengthy flight of stairs to find myself in the middle of a war zone. I didn't realize how big of a mess I've created because I was behind on chores. Papers covering every inch of the floor, empty water bottles scattered around my desk, and a pile of clothes that were in need of a good wash accumulated in the corner. The clock strikes nine o'clock and I'm ready to crash but my backpack screams homework! Homework! I decide to take a break and eat dinner first but when I walk into the kitchen, there's nothing to eat. I search in high hopes to find at least a bag of chips only to disappoint myself even more.  I'm stressed out and I don't know where to start; that's when I knew I've had enough.

    The vast darkness of the night sky holds all the answers to my problems and swallows all my worries, fears, and stress; making them disappear into space. Walking into the yard, I embrace the cool night breeze and take deep breaths; as an attempt to calm myself. Being outside is my home away from home. Unlike my own home, I am able to sit down and relax for more than a minute without being asked to do anything. The outdoors is a place where annoying sounds of yelling, crying, and talking become soothing notes of nature. It's where I can relax and not have to worry about school, volleyball, family, friends, and life itself; where I can focus on what matters most to me.

 I remember when my dog, Cheerio, died my parents took my brother and I outside and told us that Cheerio was no longer here with us but up there shining brightly in the sky protecting us. As I stare at the night sky and listen to the passing cars disturbing the tranquility of nature I thought of all the good times Cheerio and I shared together before he passed. Countless walks in the park, playing fetch in the backyard, and continuously having to clean up after someone besides myself. That day, when Cheerio died it felt as if the whole world was coming to an end. After finding out the tragic news, I sat out there peering into space, looking for answers as to why Cheerio had to leave the face of Earth. At that very moment, a strong gust of wind picked up from out of nowhere sending the ball Cheerio used to fetch for me in my direction. Goosebumps began to take over my arms but I hadn't realize it was Cheerio telling me everything was going to be okay until later. Sitting here on my lawn chair I now realize that the beauty of the night sky has helped me overcome many obstacles that I've encountered and I know it'll always be there for me because this is Querencia.