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One
Sandra
The alarm blares and my eyes flutter open. A new semester. The familiar thrill of anticipation courses through me.
I leap out of bed and throw open the curtains, sunlight flooding my bedroom.
After a strong coffee, I hop in my car, crank up the music and zoom onto campus. It’s my first day back after the summer break. No classes yet but there is work to do.
Students spill out of their dorms, hugging and laughing, summer tans on display. The campus buzzes with energy. I take a deep breath, the scent of fresh marine breeze and possibility in the air.
“Dr. Mason, welcome back!” A student waves at me.
I grin and wave back. “Hey Megan! Ready for the new semester?”
She rolls her eyes but smiles, used to my enthusiasm. I can’t help it. Teaching is my passion, my calling. Shaping young minds, igniting a love of physics in my students, discovering the wonders of the universe together — that never gets old.
My classroom awaits, and with it, the challenges and triumphs of a new semester. But I’m ready. I was born ready. Bring it on!
* * *
After work I head over to my family’s house for dinner. My parents bustle around the kitchen, the aroma of fried chicken and collard greens wafting through the air.
My brother DJ sets the table while his twin daughters, Tisha and Aisha, giggle and chase each other around the living room.
“Auntie Sandra!” They squeal when they see me, rushing over for hugs.
I sweep them up in my arms, kissing their chubby cheeks. “My favorite girls! Did y’all grow a foot taller?”
They dissolve into giggles, shaking their heads. DJ rolls his eyes at my antics, grinning. “Hey, sis.”
“Hey, baby bro.” I ruffle his hair as he ducks away, pretending to scowl.
After dinner, we lounge in the backyard under the sprawling oak tree that’s sheltered so many Mason family gatherings. I lean back on a blanket spread on the grass, fresh lemonade in hand, soaking in the laughter and love surrounding me. Home is where my heart is. And my heart will always be right here.
I’m sitting next to DJ, gazing up at the stars beginning to peek through the dusky sky.
“So,” he starts casually. “Any new prospects?”
I chuckle, shaking my head. My family’s concern for my love life is at the same time cute and so very annoying.
“Too busy with work.” That’s only partly true.
The truth is, I crave a connection like our parents, or DJ and his wife have. A deep, lasting love. Casual flings and superficial attraction don’t interest me. I want to feel treasured, cherished, like I’m a man’s entire world. Someone to share private jokes and lazy Sunday mornings with. Build memories that stand the test of time.
I sigh, glancing at the twinkling fireflies drifting through the dark.
“The right person will come along when the time is right.”
My brother squeezes my shoulder in a silent show of support. He knows I’m still holding out for my own fairy tale.
The laughter of my nieces floats through the air, breaking our pensive mood. I smile, soaking in their innocent joy.
* * *
The next morning, I wake up as the first rays of sunlight filter through my bedroom window. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I glance at the clock and smile. It’s the first day of classes. A surge of excitement and nerves bubbles up inside me.
After a quick breakfast and shower, I head to campus. The familiar walkways and buildings soothe my nerves, grounding me in the present.
