Little Mei swung her medals back and forth, the genuine smile on her face. 

"Great job! I knew something good is about to happen."

Balloons appeared at the smallest corners of the living room, the table that once held only a glass of water, is now full of delicious meals, one of a kind treats and sweets. 

The couch filled with children from the neighborhood, playing as they smiled and enjoyed the comfort of the cotton pillows. 

The adults standing by the table, holding letter- shaped balloons that spelled "Happy Birthday." 

My, their tiny living room that was filled mostly of dusty air, now fills the atmosphere of euphoria, nostalgia, and genuine smiles. 

The once quiet and dull space that tainted the walls with nothing but black and white, is now filled with colors you could imagine, painted by the laughs and noise people made in there. 

My, it sure is amazing.. 

The feeling of happiness. The worries and agony, all washed away, replaced with the overwhelming joy people poured in the house. 

Time passed and people headed home. The joyous atmosphere has now come to an end. 

"Mama, papa..."

Both of them turned to the direction of the sweet innocent voice. 

"Thank you." 

Mei said, tears freely falling down, her smile that reached her ears....and her eyes that held a bright soul. 

Her parents hugged her very tight. 

A soulful and pleasant hum of the wind as their tiny home was filled with warmth and love. 

"We will always be proud of you, no matter what. 

We promise to take care of you, and raise you with the best of our abilities. Never forget the little moments we have as time passes by. 

Child, enjoy the music of life, enjoy the melody the longer it gets. Never waste a day not thinking about the fortunate and unfortunate. 

Mei, grow up to be a fine woman. One even I never achieved. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ahh.. Summer at last. 

The breeze and humid wind that touched even the softest skin on earth, itching to be dipped in salt water. 

" Mei! Don't go too far! "

Her father yelled at the teen who ran after the sun. 

The sand touching every inch of her ankle, the water splashing as it collided with her feet. 

Her hair that flew with the wind, and her dress dancing as her feet made way to a journey of everlasting nirvana. 

Mei ran.. Faster than her feet could ever go, 

Wandering at the ring of lights as the sun was slowly being dragged to the ground. 

The orange and cloudless sky, it was so good to look at all day. Mother nature sure is beautiful. 

"If only I had wings, I could've reached the horizon by now, looking at the biggest creature on earth from up high, looking like an ant." 

Mei thought to herself. Thinking ridiculously again. 

She always believed everything is possible if you strive for what you want. 

She believes everything can be achieved... As long as there are silver linings. 

The wind caressing her hair ever so gently. 

She stared at the sun, it's light slowly fading. The waves that grew stronger and higher, growing cold as the minute passed by. 

It's once blue color, turned orange... Beautiful orange. 

Everything looked so pretty, it was hard to move, afraid to miss the miraculous beauty nature might show. 

"Mei... Come here." 

Her father called her. The calming and soothing voice that made her feel at ease. 

Her parents laid by the white sand, watching the wonders of the ocean as the sun sets. 

They asked her to join and watch the beautiful scenery while exchanging stories. 

Everything looked so peaceful and normal. 

Everything looked so calming and beautiful. 

Mei smiled ever so genuinely. Her parents holding hands as they watch the sun bid farewell, and Mei in the middle, enjoying a youthful moment with her loved ones. One she will forever cherish, until the end of time. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. 

My eyes swollen and teary. 

"How I wish I stayed asleep."