I Am From

I am from the wordy books that lay freely around the house. From the chewed-up dog toys, and the iced tea juice boxes that are finished in less than a week. I am from music blasting from 3 separate rooms and plant leaves that my cat always meddles with. I am from the scattered plants with the fresh scent and the tall wooden shelf that’s overflowing with so many plants, that there’s more than 1 per shelf. I am from shortish parents, tall brothers, and large family gatherings. From annoyingly bugging my mom on what's to eat, the tasty dinners that follow, and from exciting road trips that seem like ages to get to. I’m from “Are you really talking back?!” and “Aira, hurry up!” I'm from the ringing chatter at parties and from pretending to fight with my dog. I’m from freezing winters and the melting sun, the cramped jeeps that take you wherever you need to go and Jollibee’s chicken and Peach mango pie. From when my younger cousin was sleepwalking and staring at my cousin and I while we were sleeping at a sleepover. From the crowded living room and from lazily made beds. I’m from family members who noisily yell on the phone, but don’t realize it. From “Feed the cat please!,” “Aira, I said no!” and “I’ll go if you go first!” I’m from the home-cooked meals that my mom and Lola made and driving to the U.S with my family. I’m from lively parties with my family and from eagerly counting down the days till summer begins.