Home Alone

Mum just called. She told me to inform my big bro (and I mean literally big, because he’s more than stocky, fat for me, more like) that he’s qualified for training at the Emirates Training School in Dubai and that it was about time he started getting his papers processed. His passport, authenticated high school diploma, and other fluffy stuff he’s gonna need. Yeah, I’m talking about his high school diploma. He’s never graduated from college. He’s 23 and I’m a semester ahead of him. And I guess, for taking this month-long training to become a full-fledged airplane helper cum flight attendant, he never will. Maybe he wasn’t really trimmed by God as a school person.

Then, another call from mum telling me that my little sis (she’s not really little, I’m taller than she is by only about an inch or two, and she’s 14) will be with them too, and continue her study abroad. I thought it was sort of premature (earlier than expected?), because they’ve always been planning on taking her back with them after high school graduation and sending her to art school somewhere in Europe for college. Well, it's their plan. It's not like I can tell them what to do with their children.

My siblings are going to be with my parents in the Middle East for quite some time. And for that, I’m happy for them. My grams and the maid are gonna leave in summer too. They reckoned I’m a grownup already, and I could carry on by myself. And now, that leaves me home alone. I mean, would-be home alone.

I know they’re going to enjoy their company.

I know I’m going to enjoy my solitude.

Solitude? That’s hilarious. This is gonna be the start of the greatest times of my life. All my friends are gonna come over, of course. I can almost sense the Saturday-night-home-parties, Sunday-morning-throw-ups, curfew-free weekdays, and road trips to the farthest places in the country. It’s gonna be super fun to be independent.

This is too much of a summer gift to not take advantage of. I’d rather not receive any more gifts in a century than lose this opportunity. This freedom.

I can’t wait.