CHARACTER STUDY (III)

Entwining her fingers between the soft blades of grass brought an inexplicable sense of calm to her soul. Yesenia enjoyed observing the different tones of blue in the sky and the occasional light breeze that caressed her cheekbones (which brought relief from the scorching heat). She preferred to complete her work and fry her brain studying outdoors, where she could feel the earth gently thumping beneath her. More than half of her time was spent in this way and a routine was already developing.  However, as her small hands clutched the thick textbook from which the studying was occurring, a snapshot of the last time she had seen her family flashed through her mind. Her slightly crooked nose scrunched up and she felt a small pang in her heart. The tear filled eyes of her mother and the too-tight hug of her father were still fresh in her memory. It had been yet another hot day when her parents helped her move into her apartment, and most of the packing was done in silence, for they knew that if the silence was broken the tears would begin. While her mother helped hang clothes inside the closet and fit the bed sheets on the hard mattress, her father was delivering his last few words of wisdom. “Nunca camines en la oscuridad, asegúrate de ir acompañada.  Cierra la puerta con llave todas las noches y no le pongas la espalda al peligro. Acuérdate que la grandeza de uno se mide con la inteligencia y no con la estatura.” (Never walk in the dark, always go accompanied by someone. Lock your door every night and never turn your back on danger. Remember that greatness is measured by intelligence and not ones stature.)

As Yesi, her preferred nickname, contemplated these memories with a twinge of nostalgia she realized that with sorrow came strength. After months of being at a university, not once had she regretted her decision of moving away from home. She did miss her family and friends dearly but she didn’t have high hopes of seeing them often. Erica with her lean figure, scathingly honest humor, and tender heart. Susel with her lovable chubby cheeks, compassionate personality, and resilient friendship. Lupita with her bright eyes, contagious laugh, and warm nature.  After a few more minutes of reminiscing on her recent past, she rose from the green hill and began strolling through the immense campus, losing herself amidst the moving bodies.

Just as Yesi was about to immerse herself in her own thoughts again, a tug on the back of her shirt announced an unexpected arrival. She turned around slowly, only to see the smirking face of Erica. After many hugs and a few biting jokes, Erica announced that the rest of the crew was already waiting. Yesi was perplexed at such an announcement, the crew waiting for what? However Erica only laughed and began shoving her in the direction of her apartment, she had to get her bags…

Apparently the crew had planned a last minute road trip through California and had piled inside a beat up, cozy van (which was currently parked outside her apartment). Yesi exclaimed in excitement as she saw all her close friends: Susel, Lupita, Jayce, and Janet. Erica simply rolled her eyes at such a display of emotions and continued to rush Yesi into the van while shoving a small duffel bag into her arms. Their journey soon commenced and they spent pleasantly long hours exchanging stories and enjoying the passing scenery. The last rays of sunlight were flickering behind the mountains when Erica exclaimed that she had booked all their nights’ at the most notoriously haunted hostels in California. The fun had yet to begin.