BOXER

I keep my father's boxing gloves together with his trophies and souvenirs in the last open box.

-The plane leaves in two hours, we have to go- my mother appears in my room, I nod, and with nothing more to say she leaves. I close the box and look at my now old room remembering some moments lived in this one. I take the box and a suitcase that is the last thing left and leave the house leaving it in the trunk. I get into the car and I see from the window the house and my mother talking to the real estate agent and give her the keys and then get into the car. She starts the car and I watch as we slowly drift away from the house until we disappear from my sight.

-When will everything arrive at the apartment?

-Tomorrow morning- she answers politely. My mother is very strict and not very tolerant, everything has to be perfect for her. She wasn't like that before but I guess everything changes.

-Okey- is the only thing I answer. I notice my cell phone vibrating in my pocket.

I will miss you! When you get to NY send me a message. I am already looking forward to the second semester! I love you. ABBY.

I'll miss you too, don't worry, I'll let you know when I get there. I'm looking forward to it too. Bye, bye. 

We arrive at the airport where we take our suitcases and my mother gives the keys to one of the movers.

***

-Passengers on the flight to New York, please proceed to terminal E43 for boarding.

We both got up and headed to the corresponding terminal. We boarded the plane and settled into our respective seats.

***

Hi By, we just landed, the trip was too boring, when I get to the apartment, we talk.

I hit "send" and put the cell phone away, leaving the airport with our suitcases. My mother orders a cab and after giving her the address we head to the new apartment. When we arrived my mother pays him and we go upstairs in silence to our new "home".

I go straight to what will be my room. It is completely white, with a medium-sized desk, a small dresser, and a bookshelf. To one side is a door where there is a small closet, enough for me. Next to it, there is another one where there is a bathroom. I start to put everything I have in my suitcases in its place.

Once I finish I drop onto the bed looking at the ceiling. I take out a piece of paper with an address written on it. A small debate is created in my mind, am I going or not? I go. I jump up and gather my hair in a messy ponytail. I grab my cell phone, wallet, and new keys. I enter the address into Maps and it gives me directions. It's not far. I walk out of the apartment past my mother telling her I'm going out, she nods in concentration, painting her nails.

We used to live nearby and my dad used to train at that gym with Uncle Bob. I still remember my Aunt Rose, she used to give me candy every time I went. When it all happened my mother and I moved to Los Angeles and now we are back since my mother has been transferred here. We will only be here for a year, according to what she told me and then I think we would move back to LA. But with Abby, we plan to stay and live together here in NY.

Following the Maps, I see the gym. I can tell the years have passed. I put my cell phone away and nervously walk in. I see a lady at the front desk and approach her.

-Good afternoon young lady, what do you want?- she asks kindly, she rings me.

-Hi, I'm Kara Walker, is Bob there- I ask a little shyly.