I AM HIS HUMAN LUNA

Chapter 3 - A heart touching Good bye

Zenya's POV

“Mom, I’m home,” I announced with a tired voice.

I arrived back home after spending yet another tiring day at the office and standing on the bus in terrible traffic. The worst and most hateful part of riding the bus was tolerating the same old drooling looks of disgusting men, which was why I always used my air pods on the bus to listen to my favorite songs just so I can avoid the unnecessary conversations and judging looks of other people.

Most importantly, it was the day I handed over my resignation to my manager. Usually, we had to give our notice of resignation one month in advance but since I didn’t have much time left, I applied for annual leave for the last two weeks. As I packed up my things, everyone congratulated me for being selected into the MBA program.

The next day, I prepared all the necessary documents I needed to submit to the American Embassy. Honestly, I was a little nervous since it was my first time visiting and dealing with an embassy. As usual, just like any other day, my mom blessed me before I headed out of the house. I reached the embassy, with my document file tucked safely in my arms before handing it over to them. The officer in charge asked me a few questions and I successfully answered them. It was not too difficult since the Philadelphia University was a reputed and well-known university all over the world and especially in the United States of America. After going through my application, they asked me to come back in four days to check about the visa approval. I returned home in relief and mom was waiting for me in the living room.

“How was your interview?” she asked impatiently.

“Not bad, mom. They asked few questions to double-check with the documents and told me to come back to check about the visa status after four days.” I sat down on the sofa tiredly next to her.

“I see. We will see then. Come, I have prepared prawn rice for dinner,” she said with a smile.

“What! Oh my god! Mom, that’s my favorite! I’m gonna miss all your delicious food. ” I hugged her tightly and she patted my back lovingly.

“I’ll just go freshen up. Please prepare the dinner table, I am gonna eat a lot today,” I exclaimed as I danced to my room.

I had a quick shower and changed into my pajamas. I joined my mom and ate so much that I couldn’t breathe. My mom was stunned wondering whether I had been possessed by a greedy ghost. After dinner, I brushed my teeth and went to my happiest place and my heaven — my bed.

“Oh, I’m gonna miss you, baby!” I pouted, cuddling my bed.

Beside my bed was my favorite soft toy, Mario, which was gifted to me by an unforgettable friend of mine for my last birthday. There was no way I was going without Mario, I’ll carry Mario with me. Just like that, I slowly went to sleep like there’s no tomorrow.

~.~

4 Days Later

After impatiently waiting, I finally visited the American embassy again. I remember entering the building with an uneasy mind and my wet, sweaty palms, which was normal whenever I am nervous. After 20 minutes they called my number which I was assigned to when I entered the embassy, and I approached the counter. I was nervous as hell.

“Ms. Zenya, your visa has been authorized by the embassy. Congratulations and have a pleasant stay in Philadelphia,” the visa officer announced formally.

“Thank you very much, sir.” I danced in my head and took my passport.

As soon as I got out of the embassy, I called my mom to tell her the good news.

“Mom, the visa has been authorized!” I screamed with a happy tone. Few people turned to look at me with their narrowed eyebrows. Go to hell world, this is me!

I returned home and informed all my close friends and my manager. They all congratulated me but it reminded me that in 2 days, it would be my last working day at the office.

I had a fresh bath and had my dinner before going to bed. I always loved my friends and office. And they are like my family. I knew it was going to be painful for me to say goodbye to all my loved ones as I am a very sensitive person. One small thing was enough for me to start my waterfall of tears. I looked through the photos on my sss profile and remembered the sweet wonderful moments I had with all my loved ones. Many years ago, a friend told me that high tech is not important for any relationship, but high touch is essential. I finally understood because I would be able to talk to them through Viber, or face time but I wouldn’t be able to physically touch and hug them.

“Come on, Zenya! If you are so weak to say bye to your loved ones, why did you apply for this?” my mind argued. It was true, I had to be a strong girl since I was about to fly to an unknown country and live with unknown people. As I contemplated my new future, I drifted off to sleep.

My last day at the office finally came and I personally requested them not to arrange any party for me since I knew I won’t be able to do a thank you speech without crying. I pleaded with them to let the day go about just like another normal day for me and allow me to feel another working day with my loving buddies so I won’t feel that I am resigning. Nevertheless, they arranged gifts and a small party which was participated with very few people. All my colleagues from Finance, Marketing, the HR team were there to congratulate me. With teary eyes, I started my speech and I felt as if something was stuck in my throat. I couldn’t talk more and broke down in tears, which made them come to hug me and try to console me. Finally, I went to all the floors and departments to personally say goodbye to them. Why are goodbyes always so hard! I randomly checked one of my gifts and realized they had gifted me a large framed photo of a collection of different pictures we took from time to time on many occasions. I couldn’t ask for more great people. Eventually, I completed my work and said goodbye to them before returning home.

“Mom, I’m home,” I called out with a sad voice. She knew the reason for my sadness so she didn’t ask anything further.

I freshened up and had my dinner before heading straight to bed. In just 2 days, I was about to leave Sri Lanka. My flight was scheduled at 8.30 p.m and it was a direct flight to Philadelphia. Even though the ticket was a bit costly, it was good for me. I wouldn’t have to transit and run around especially since I was flying alone.

Time passed by very fast and finally the day arrived for my departure. I knew that my parents were very sad but they didn’t show it to me. I also tried to hide my tears. Mom prepared some food for me that could be used from time to time so I could minimize my expenses for my food until I get a job. I packed everything I needed along with my favorite small pillow. I couldn’t sleep without that pillow. It was my childhood pillow and it’s very soft. I always used it to cover one of my ears with it and go to sleep. Otherwise, I can’t sleep. So there was no way I was leaving it behind.

I got dressed in a pair of blue denim jeans and a T-shirt along with a leather jacket on top of that so I don’t feel cold. The university had personally asked us to bring more winter clothes since it was November and winter was coming soon. I ordered an Uber car, my parents came along with me to the airport to drop me and say goodbye to me.

We arrived at the airport at 5.00 p.m. We had to be there about three hours before the flight to avoid the unfortunate circumstances that could occur. We sat on a bench and filled the necessary forms. Suddenly mom started to cry and boom, my waterfall of tears also started. My father just looked at both of us somberly and tried to console us.     

“Be safe love, and call us as soon as possible once you land. And contact us as many times as you can!” my mom advised, holding back her tears.

We all hugged tightly and finally, I said my final goodbye to them. I waved until the point I couldn’t see them any longer. I got on to the flight and looked for my seat with a help of an air hostess. I made sure to take a window seat so I could enjoy the flight as I knew it was gonna be a long journey. The pilot welcomed all the passengers and asked us to wear seat belts since the flight was going to take off.

I looked at the runway with sadness and excitement, “goodbye Sri Lanka until we meet again”, I whispered with a lump in my throat.