第1章

Being a person from a completely different background living in an unfamiliar environment is hard to adapt to. One would never be able to fit in if they were single-minded or strongly followed their own customs and beliefs without getting to know or acknowledging their surroundings, because no one would hear you out if you do not at least learn the customs of the dominant habitats, since it it is you against an entire herd, an outlier in an equation.

I faced that hardship when I first moved to Tokyo, Japan at the age of 12. I was different from them in so many ways, from my skin color to my dominant language, from my beliefs to the traditions followed, you name it. I had to go through the bullying, the judgments, the bitching gossips, the unfair or 'specialized' treatment from other people just because you are different. The misconceptions or rumors that they have heard about us, man that was the most annoying part to go through...

But all of these battles have made me stronger and gave me opportunities to fit in. I am still unique from the people, but I am much more acceptable than before. From learning their language, their customs, their traditions, I have made through the most difficult part and now I happily fit in as a citizen of their herd. Though, I still talk to my family in my mother tongue, I am still very religious and follow the traditions I was taught when I was in my home country. I still am me, but I am the me with a wider span of wisdom, with better experience and knowledge of different cultures. I still am me, and I am glad that I did not lose my way thanks to-

"Urvi?"

I snapped out of my thoughts, motioned back to reality by the call of my name. I was eating breakfast made by my mother, it was seven in the morning, too early for having a hearty meal though,

"Hm?"

"You were spacing out again", my mom teased as she let out a small laugh. She served me another Puri, as whole wheat deep fried bread, hot and blown up like a balloon. I tore a piece and watched it deflate, releasing the hot air. I then dunked the piece in the chickpea curry she made-Chole Bhature, and put it in my mouth. My eyes fluttered dreamily at the hot and spicy curry mixed with the soft and chewy bread. I was so into savoring the taste that I almost forgot to respond to her.

"Oh, ye, sowwy mom! De Chole ish-sho goof!" I said, earning a disapproved shake of her head r but a smile was evident in her voice,

"Don't talk with the food in your mouth", she complained. Her back was faced towards me as she was rolling out the dough and frying it routinely. I was sitting at the middle counter on a bar stool, stuffing my face with this scrumptious breakfast.

"Sowwy!"

My mom took out the last Puri and turned the stove off to close the station for now. She turned towards me, approached the counter and leaned on her arms for support, trying hard not to snicker at my chipmunk face. She watched me eat my breakfast gleefully, I was almost done with it. Why am I eating so early though?

"Are you sure you kept everything in your suitcase? Toothbrush, clothes, your self-care materials and all that?" she asked.

Oh right, I was moving to stay in a different city to attend my high school there. I glanced at my blue suitcase at the door, spacing out for a second and shaking my head slightly right after. My mom noticed the my action as I walked towards the sink to dunk my plate. I washed my hands and went towards my room to grab my bag and hoodie. I checked my phone to see the time, it was almost eight. I had to go the train station to buy a ticket for Miyagi prefecture.

I sat on the raised step in front of the house to wear my shoes, then I heard soft shuffling behind me. After wearing them, I stood up and turned around to see my mom leaning at the wall to watch me leave. I smiled at her as she approached me and gently put both her hands on my shoulders, "Are you sure about this Urvi?"

I smiled back and held one of her hand, stroking it for reassurance. All my doubts and uncertain 'what if's clouding my mind dissipated as I thought about the question. I was sure about this since the plan we made a week ago, it was unnecessary to doubt them now,

"Yes mom, I am. Sorry I was in doubt before"

"It's okay hun, are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I could stay for a few days, to make you comfortable enough"

"No mom, you have work in a couple of hours. Besides, I need to learn how to be responsible too!" I put my hands fisted on my hips and puff up my chest, to which my mom let out a snicker. She stroked my cheek affectionately as she took her time to look at me,

"Oh you're still going to be a small baby to me Urvi! My small sweet child"

"But I'm turning 17 in a few months mom..." I mumbled as I deflated, pouting and looking to the side. My mom let out a laugh as she gave me a tight hug and kissed my head.

"I love you Urvi, take care! I will try to visit you when I can okay? Call me frequently!"

"Yes mom!" I chimed as I wore my bag, headphones around my neck and suitcase standing beside me. I stepped down towards the entrance and bent to touch her feet. She briefly touched the top of my head and with this, I received a blessing from her.

I went out the door and waved her a last goodbye, she almost looked like she was going to cry.

As she closed the door of the house, I was officially on my own, to start a new part of my life in a new town, a new school. A whole new experience! I could not wait to have a piece of it!

I wore my headphones around my head and took my phone out to select my playlist, putting an upbeat song as I walked my way to the subway cheerfully, occasionally skipping or dancing on my path when no one was watching.

Fly High!! - BURNOUT SYNDROME