a snack for the plane She waited at the gate as I biked away At the end of the lane I dropped one sneaker-clad foot on the pavement and looked back She stood there waving with both arms her wrists crossing above her head I blew her a kiss and then pedaled away At home my key grated in the lock resisting Cool air met me when I stepped inside Nova That you my dad replied his voice muffled by the whir of the air conditioner He always asked even though it was just the two of us Just your friendly neighborhood burglar I called out Guilt made my stomach churn My dad would be alone while I was in New York wandering around a too-big house He’d have no one to call out to when he got home from work There would be no Sundays at the Grand River Raceway making five-dollar bets He’d have to go star searching by himself My dad stepped out of his office His tie was loosely tied around his neck and his sleeves were rolled to his elbows A smudge of blue ink ran down his temple and mixed into his silver hair 4 KATHERINE RICHARDS
You said goodbye to Ivy There’s ink on your face I tapped the side of my head Yeah she said to call after you’ve dropped me at the airport Right Will do He rubbed at the smudge Reminds me I bought you something to eat on the plane He went back into his office and rummaged through his briefcase When he couldn’t find what he was looking for he began to search the room You excited I leaned on the doorframe and avoided the question Are you sure you’ll both be okay while I’m gone He began to empty his jacket pockets Of course I know you don’t believe it but Ivy and I can take care of ourselves I spotted a grocery bag on the floor and pulled out a deli sandwich Dad I held it out I didn’t tell him Aunt Ivy had already made me one Oh There it is New York will be amazing and the school will be amazing This is what you’ve always wanted Nova He pulled me in for a hug Don’t second-guess yourself now 5 NOVA IN NEW YORK
I wrapped my arms around him in return He released me and headed to the front door where I had stacked my luggage Now let’s get you to the airport I followed him out I wanted to believe his words I wanted to believe that this summer program would be the best thing for me But I wasn’t sure about anything 6 KATHERINE RICHARDS
Two New York made my ears ring Pedestrians crossed against traffic lights and cars honked at them The constant noise and activity was overwhelming The buildings ran together as my cab zigzagged through the streets An unending stream of people crowded the sidewalks Women in pencil skirts and dangerously high stilettos and men with slicked-back hair and tailored suits Everyone was on their phone Tourists were mixed in with the businesspeople They wore oversized backpacks and carried extra-large bottles of water The cab suddenly swerved to the curb and the driver clicked off the meter We’re here he announced 7
