Not a single word was exchanged after that. While my dad chewed his food loudly and hurried to finish the meal, my mother and I could hardly swallow a bite. I had grown up with so much hatred around me that I knew the only way to prove why God had sent me to earth was by becoming financially independent, and for that, I would have to rebel against everything and leave. Once I left, I would never go back.

When I finally landed in the US, it felt like I’d been practically born again. It was the first time in my life that I felt there was no bias against me. I knew that if I worked hard and secured a job for myself, most of my life’s problems would end. So, I gave it my all. While my classmates in university went partying in the city on the weekends, I did all kinds of odd jobs to repay Uncle Joe, and although I did pay all the money back eventually, God knows that I can never truly repay Uncle Joe and Aunt Mannie for everything they have done for me. They mean more to me than my own parents do. They literally gave me another life, and I owe everything I have today to them.

That happy thought startles me out of my reverie and reminds me that I’m getting late for the airport. I glance at my watch and then check Google Maps—Newark Airport is almost an hour and a half from here; it’s the only place I could secure a direct flight from. Where am I headed now? I’m headed to the only other place on the planet that, apart from Josie’s, I can call home.

I quickly gulp down the rest of my coffee and book an Uber. Two minutes later, I’m out of the Plaza and in my cab.

The driver greets me enthusiastically, ‘Hello, madam!’

I’d noted his name on the app, so I reply, ‘Hey Antonio! You can call me Kiana.’

‘Alrighty. Where are we headed?’ he asks as he starts the ride and peers into his phone, waiting for the ride destination to pop up on the app.

‘Newark.’

‘Newark’s a good choice, Kiana. JFK gets packed during the holidays.’

‘I would’ve preferred JFK, frankly. But there was no direct flight available from JFK.’

‘Ah, okay. There’s a snowstorm warning that’s been issued and many flights have been impacted. Did you check if yours is still on time?’ he asks.

‘What? Let me check.’ I take out my phone and open my email inbox, only to realize that there was an email from United Airlines about my flight being delayed. Clearly, I had missed reading it.

‘You’re right, Antonio. My flight’s delayed,’ I tell him. ‘Can’t be helped now. Anyway, aren’t you going home for Christmas?’