Reunions

I watched as my grandma spooned Campbell cream of broccoli soup onto fusilli pasta. Then on went the steamed broccoli and carrots. She sprinkled some dry, crunchy noodles around and moved onto the quiche. What could we be preparing for? A family reunion, that’s what. My uncle and aunts would be there. So would my older cousins, Ruby and Iris, and my little cousin, Ada. And we shouldn’t forget my parents or my grandparents. 

We were caught by surprise when they arrived early. After setting up chairs to restrict Ada, we situated ourselves in the living room. For the first time, I was socializing with the little cousin. She could talk a little and we fiddled with Easter eggs, little wooden boats, and plastic balls she had brought with her. We opened and closed the eggs and put them into baskets. She babbled and spoke to me a few simple words.

It was soon time for lunch. I gave myself a healthy helping of the casserole, quiche, pasta, and salad that filled my plate. I headed outside onto the deck to sit with my grandparents and older cousins. The conversation that followed consisted mainly of questions of Ruby’s going to college. When Grandpa Sam asked her if she was on the crew team, we all smirked when she said she wasn’t, we were all thinking of the college entry scandal in the news. We were all thinking of the college entry scandal.

After finishing our meal, we returned inside to continue to play with a certain two-year old. Pictures were taken, or were tried to be taken, since Ada was constantly on the move. Then I had to rescue her balls, which she had dropped behind the couch. They soon left, and I snuck to the TV room. 

A few days later it was, all too soon, time to leave. I kept trying to convince myself that it might be easier this time. I’ve always gotten this feeling I that I’m leaving something behind that will be forgotten about. I know that I won’t be having the sense of joy when I first see them at a beginning of a trip for a long time. It’s like I’m split between three worlds; the one in Washington, the one in India, and the one in California. I always feel separated from the ones I don’t live in because the rest of my family lives in those places, and I feel alone. 

But of course, I can’t forget all the special things back home. Here we are ending in a high note! That high note turned out to be going on a walk on Nimitz Trail for my dog’s birthday!

I’m sorry this was such a short blog.

Until next time,

Cyanjasmine11