𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 |

Ch.1

Settling into our seats on the boarding plane, my aunt found solace in a magazine, engrossed in its contents. The title boldly proclaimed "The History of China," causing me to roll my eyes playfully. I glanced at the person seated beside me, noticing their restlessness and eagerness to strike up a conversation.

"Mom, look! In China, everything is old. There are old houses, old parks, old people... and this guy here must be at least 400 years old!" they exclaimed, thrusting the magazine toward Aunt Sherry.

Aunt Sherry shot them a playful glare, and I couldn't resist sticking my tongue out at the instigator, prompting them to do the same in response. We shared a lighthearted moment, momentarily forgetting the nervousness that often accompanies new beginnings.

Perusing the magazine, my aunt's eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Look, [Name], karate appears to be popular in China!" She passed the magazine over to me, eagerly awaiting my response.

"Well, Aunt, karate is indeed popular in China, but its origins can be traced back to Japan," I explained, hoping to shed some light on the subject.

"I thought it started in China, right? If you're interested, I can enroll you in a karate school once we settle down," she offered, her gaze fixed on me, awaiting my decision.

I considered her suggestion for a moment, appreciating her thoughtfulness. "I'll definitely think about it, Aunt," I replied, leaving the door open for further discussion. She smiled warmly and leaned in to kiss my forehead, expressing her love and support.

"I love you, [Name]," she whispered affectionately.

Feeling a surge of warmth in my heart, I returned the sentiment with a smile. Glancing beside me, I noticed Dre attempting to engage in conversation with the person seated in front of him, trying his best to communicate in Chinese.

"Dude, I'm from Detroit too," the person responded, surprising both Dre and me. I coughed discreetly, attempting to stifle my laughter at the amusing exchange.

"As if you can speak Chinese," Dre snarked, his skepticism evident. I smirked mischievously, eager to tease him back. "Well, I can speak Japanese and Tagalog too," I boasted, raising an eyebrow teasingly. Dre responded with an eye roll, refusing to be outdone.

As the plane taxied on the runway, preparing for takeoff, I couldn't help but reflect on the diverse experiences that awaited us in China. The anticipation mixed with a tinge of nervousness, but the presence of my aunt and Dre by my side provided a sense of familiarity and comfort.

After a long journey, we finally arrived in China, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of dizziness wash over me as I stepped out of the plane. Rubbing the back of my neck to ease the discomfort, I accidentally collided with Dre, who had been slightly distracted. We exchanged a sheepish glance, silently acknowledging the clumsiness of our arrival.

Following Aunt Sherry's instructions, we made our way to the designated meeting point. As we waited, a woman slowly approached us, carrying a white board displaying our last name, but with a glaring misspelling. Aunt Sherry swiftly corrected her, and the woman apologized profusely, leading us to her waiting white van, which would transport us to our new apartment.

During the ride, I found myself captivated by the towering buildings and vibrant parks that lined the streets of China. The sight amused and intrigued me, as I marveled at the contrast between the modern infrastructure and the rich history the country was renowned for. I shifted my gaze from one side of the window to the other, taking in the bustling cityscape and the glimpses of daily life unfolding before my eyes.

"See, Dre? There's nothing old in China," Aunt Sherry exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. I couldn't help but smile to myself, realizing that our earlier conversation about oldness was far from accurate. China was a beautiful blend of tradition and progress, where ancient heritage seamlessly intertwined with contemporary marvels.

As the van continued its journey, I eagerly absorbed every detail, mentally bookmarking the places I wanted to explore further. The vibrant energy of the city seeped into my bones, fueling my anticipation for the adventures that awaited us. While Dre remained silent, I could tell from his expression that he too was appreciating the unique charm of our new surroundings.

As we neared our apartment, a mix of nerves and exhilaration washed over me. We were about to embark on a new chapter of our lives in a foreign land, filled with unfamiliar customs and endless possibilities. But with Aunt Sherry by our side, her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support provided a comforting anchor amidst the sea of unknowns.

As the van came to a stop, I noticed a flurry of activity on the other side of the street, where a vibrant park attracted people of all ages. The sight was a stark contrast to the bustling cityscape we had just traversed. Taking in the scene, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of exploring the park and immersing myself in the local culture.

Aunt Sherry, always the eager one, was the first to exit the van, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Dre followed closely behind, stepping out into the bustling energy of our new surroundings. Meanwhile, I took a moment to massage my leg, feeling a slight cramp from the extended period of sitting during the journey.

"Are you okay, [Name]?" Aunt Sherry inquired with concern evident in her voice. I nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yes, Aunt, it's just a cramp from sitting for a long time," I explained. Appreciating her thoughtfulness, she extended a helping hand, assisting me in getting out of the van.

As I stood in front of the building, my gaze fixed on the exterior, a pang of homesickness tugged at my heart. The grandeur of the Beverly Hills luxury apartment reminded me of the comfort and familiarity I had left behind. However, I quickly shook off the longing, reminding myself that this new journey was a chance for growth, exploration, and exciting experiences.