Chapter 1: Chloe

“Today is the day,” I whispered to myself, trying to steady my racing heart. The airport was a symphony of motion and sound, a world within itself. The clatter of luggage wheels, the snippets of conversations, and the smell of coffee fused in a mix of life and motion.

My gaze lingered on the glass windows, framing the runway where planes waited. Today, one of the many would carry me all the way to New York, a fresh chapter far away. The culmination of years of university, the stepping stone to the life and job I’d imagined.

“This is what I want!” I affirmed myself. I had always dreamed of working in New York, and finally, I would get the chance. I imagined the giant skyscrapers and the daily buzz of the city. And all the people I would meet, all the friends I would make, all the fun I would have. And who knows, maybe this was also a step towards something – or someone – I hadn’t yet found. Maybe a new best friend, and maybe a little more than that. Maybe that special someone was waiting for me in New York, maybe a co-worker, maybe I would meet him romantically on the streets, tripping into him and him catching me like they do in the movies… oh how wonderful that would be.

Yet, amid the anticipation, a subtle unease gnawed at me. Was it the excitement of starting anew, or the reluctant farewell to a life I knew? My family and friends had all said their goodbyes last night, and their encouragement was unwavering, urging me to grasp every opportunity. Yet, in this bustling terminal, I already felt like wanting to go back, back to university, back to living with my parents. Back to normal. I was going to miss them.

I shifted the weight of my bag uneasily, as if adjusting it could rearrange my scattered thoughts. A sigh escaped my lips, and I navigated towards the departure gate, joining the stream of travelers. Faces painted with a mix of emotions – excitement, apprehension, nostalgia – buzzed around me. Hugs were exchanged, laughter rippled through the air. Connections were being forged and celebrated. “Today is the day,” I whispered to myself again, trying to think about all the wonderful things in New York. I had already organized everything: the apartment was ready, the commute planned, and friends would pick me up at the airport as soon as I got there… all that was left is the BOARDING PASS! Oh no, I need to check in! The flight leaves in 30 minutes!