I remember turning around during a turbulent flight. I could feel it.

There was this rupture of agency in my stomach.

I could taste the salt of my early twenties. My ears plugged with excitement and my cheeks hot and warm from the chance.

As a little girl, I always imagined I’d one day travel with my friends when I got older. The opportunity is now mine. I can’t believe it.

I couldn’t believe it.

My genie is working and he isn’t stuck in a bottle. The ten candles once on a princess cake, finally came around.

I felt the world tingling in my toes.

I felt the spark of a flame–that this trip would be carved into the firewood of my experiences.

I’m shaking my head, itching off the dandruff and distress.

Smiling at Jahaira and sharing a good laugh with Ale, I’m reminded that this is good. This is well deserved. I glow with my friends and I heal with the right kind of love.