The Sparkler

A bright green light dancing between the deep reds and the bright oranges, at the tip of my fingers, surrounding me. I feel like the Spice fairy.

I’m having fun. I’m starting to think my happy place would be Selvadorada with green sparklers.

Family Moments

Being here in this atmosphere is a window into my parents’ past. What their lives must have been like, before I was born, when they lived in this neighborhood that they loved. This was their universe when they first moved in together, and it meant everything to them.

And then they had me, and they left, without a single look back. Mom, Dad, you’re the best. Better yet, you guys are magical.

The Spice Festival

Mom is hyper-enthusiastic about this event. She’s going on and on about how everything is like she remembers. The colors, the smells, the sounds.

It’s the first time I see all of this, though. I have to admit it’s enchanting. The warm colors and the overall excitement and familiarity in the crowd almost offset the cold winter temperatures.

What do your Mom eyes see?

On the evening, Mom steps on one of the old crates around aunt Miranda’s house. “I knew it,” she says to me. “It’s starting!”

The Spice festival is in town.

Mom rushes to the bag she brought, and pulls out a whole new outfit in beige and brown tones. She catches my eye.

“What? It’s my first festival in over twenty years, I can’t be wearing the wrong colors.”