Querencia

Finally after a long and stressful day of school, I am home. I kicked my shoes off, tossed my backpack, and went straight for the bed. But the day wasn't over yet. Knowing that there's a pile of homework on my desk, I was forced to get up. I sighed in frustration, as if the fumes of a car engine had been released from the exhaust system. From classes to papers and projects, my mind raced and soon had burst. Knowing that I've had enough, I dropped everything and escaped the stress.

I couldn't stay in my room any longer so I headed straight to my grandparent's room. My room was like an oven, it was the hottest room in the house. My mind would usually be baked because of the heat and homework stress. When I got there I lied comfortably beside my grandma. She patted my arm and smiled we had no conversation. I stared at the photo collage on their closet and relived those captured moments. My worries began to slowly drift as I felt at ease. As the wind raced through the window screen, my eyes wandered toward the flying curtains. I closed my eyes and embraced the afternoon breeze. I had now been lured into a dream with no troubles.

I woke up feeling weightless. All my troubles were gone and were left in the past. I had regained my focus and my mind was able to function. I got up and went back to work. One after another, the pile of homework disappeared.

Reflecting back, I've realized that my grandparent's room was my retreat. The collage on their closet empties my worries and the feel of the light breeze entering the room clears my mind. Just lying in the comfort of the bed and the company of my grandma simply relaxed me.  It was a safe zone where nobody was able to bother me. To me this isn't just my grandparent's room, it is more than that. It is my Querencia..