Hana sat comfortably on the family’s large pink sofa, cradling the family cat, Emily, in her lap. The gentle purring of the cat was a soothing accompaniment to the news program flickering on the television screen. A well-dressed Mexican woman was reporting on the “tourisfication” of Mexico, explaining how the influx of tourists, particularly from white communities, was driving up rent and food prices. Hana’s attention drifted in and out as her focus shifted to the warm presence of Emily and the aroma of something delicious wafting from the kitchen.
Her father, ever the dedicated writer, was intently watching the broadcast. He had a character in one of his stories heading to Mexico and needed to understand the local conflicts to add depth to his writing. It was a mix of work and leisure for him, but for Hana, it was just a Friday afternoon spent with her dad, a day meant for family togetherness before their drive to the campsite.
The house felt quieter than usual with her mother and older siblings out shopping. Hana had opted to stay behind, her decision rooted in a sense of understanding she recently gained from her birthday wish. She realized that she wasn’t always the center of attention in her family, especially with half of her siblings seemingly wrapped up in their own lives. Elizabeth, her oldest sister, had been preoccupied with her volunteer work at the nursing home. Just yesterday, she had a minor crisis when the program manager switched her leading bingo night to a time when Elizabeth was initially slated to be unavailable. Despite her initial annoyance with Hannah, a conversation with their mother had shifted the course of events, leaving Elizabeth in a much better mood, thus relieving any tension between them.
On the other hand, Peter, their second older brother, was sidetracked by a Skype call solution his best friend had devised. It seemed to mellow him out regarding the weekend plans. However, it was Mary Ann and James that Hana felt apprehensive about. Mary Ann was upset because she could not attend her crush’s party—a social event that had become a hot topic among their peers. Every student of significance in their grade was expected to be there, leaving Mary Ann feeling like an outcast among the “loser kids” who would also miss the event. Meanwhile, James had been eagerly looking forward to his chance to snap pictures with the band, as he had been granted a backstage pass. With Hana choosing to stay home, he was inherently frustrated and expressed his displeasure, adding to the complex dynamics of the sibling relationships.
In the midst of these thoughts, Hana was aware of her father bustling around in the kitchen. He was preparing snacks and dinner for the two of them, which seemed to be his routine as a work-from-home dad. While his wife and children were out at school or work, the responsibilities of meal preparation generally fell to him. This would all shift over the weekends when he and Hana’s mother would trade off the household chores. It was a do-able arrangement, one that fostered their family’s cooperation and unity, but today, it was just about being together, enjoying the simplicity of shared time before the weekend adventure unfolded.
As Hannah, or Hana for short, hummed a song from church called “Amazing Grace” and swung her little legs over the pink sofa, the house phone rang. The melodic chimes broke her reverie, pulling her thoughts back to the present moment. She watched the screen of the television flicker momentarily before turning her focus to her father, who was already in the kitchen.
A few minutes later, her dad called her name, indicating that the phone call was for her. Unlike most Americans, the Eastsons kept a landline, which was how most of the children communicated with their peers after school, especially the younger ones like Elizabeth and Hannah. Peter, James, and Mary Ann had cell phones because, in their parents’ eyes, they were mature enough for such devices.
Placing Emily the cat down on the soft pink sofa, Hannah headed for the kitchen where the landline phone was located. As she walked, she could hear her father’s voice muffled by the walls, filled with enthusiasm as he prepared for the evening.
Reaching the phone, Hannah took it from her dad and stated, “Hello?”
“Hi!” replied a voice from the other side—very unmistakably familiar voice. It was Hannah’s best friend, Sophia Wang. Sophia Wang was a full Asian from Cambodia. Her family had escaped during the Red Khmer attacks and sought refuge in the USA.
“Hi So,” Hannah replied excitedly, her voice dancing with warmth.
“Yeah, hi,” Sophia said, then paused before continuing. There was an air of hesitation, which piqued Hannah’s curiosity. “So I can’t go with you for the birthday camping trip.”
“Huh?” Hannah’s heart sank a little at the news, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
“Yep!” Sophia continued. “My far-distance third cousin is getting married, so we are going, so I can’t make it. Sorry.”
Hannah felt a mix of emotions. She had been looking forward to the camping trip with Sophia, sharing stories around a bonfire, hiking, and making unforgettable memories.
“But what about all the fun we planned?” Hannah protested, trying to keep her voice light but unable to hide the disappointment. “It won’t be the same without you.”
“I know, I know,” Sophia replied empathetically. “But it’s a family thing. You know how it is. I promise I’ll make it up to you. We’ll plan something special when I get back, okay?”
Hana sighed, understanding her friend’s commitment to family, but still feeling a pang of sadness. “Okay, So. Just don’t forget about me, alright?”
“Never!” Sophia assured her. “I’ll call you every day while I’m gone. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures for me!”
“I promise,” Hana replied, not feeling a single bit better. The dirty blond haired elementary school student was crushed. Was this what her sliblings felt? “Anyway got to go.”
A pause.
“Right. Bye.”
They hung up, and she returned to the living room, looking at Emily, who had settled comfortably back on the pink sofa. Hana resumed her spot and curled up with the cat, pondering the changes in her plans and the adventures that awaited—both with and without her best friend.
“Oh.” Hannah said, a termblem in her voice. What?! It was not fair!
Pecanpieandchocolatemilk 
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