I Left My Spacious Bedroom To Sleep In A Stranger’s Closet.

“Oh, no! Mommy, I left the expired passport that had the visa in it. What am I going to do?” I was panicking and begun pacing around my suitcase. It was 7:23 a.m., and boarding would start at 9:20. 

“Does that mean you will not go to America today?” Junior asked. 

“Not now, Junior, I’m thinking,” I responded sharply.

If someone drives home and back, it could take around two hours and more with the morning traffic. I could call Miss Jean, but I didn’t tell her that I was leaving, and she doesn’t have keys to the house. “Mommy, what am I going to do? I know exactly where I left it.” My family watched me with their sympathetic looks. I was mad at myself because I took up that passport and left it right on my dresser. When I get it, I will staple them together.

“The devil is working hard this morning, but he will not win,” Mom exclaimed. “I will call Henry to go up to the house and get it for you and bring it to us,” Mom said calmly. Henry was Mom’s boy – no, manfriend. “God is always working in our favor. I had left my bedroom window to the carport open; he can walk through it.” And with that said, she dialed his number, and they spoke briefly.

“Henry will get it and bring it here,” Mom said.

“Thanks, Mommy.” I was happy now. I walked back to the agent and told her that someone would bring the passport with the visa. 

“As long as you have it by the time we are ready for boarding, you will be fine,” she said and smiled.

I turn to my family, “Let us find something to eat.” My brother stood by the ticket kiosk curiously pressing buttons. “Let’s go, Junior,” I called out. We sat and ate breakfast as we waited for Henry to get there. Every time the door opens, I look to see if it was Henry.

My heart thumped with excitement and contentment when Henry materialized through the automatic doors. His eyes looked puffy, and his face was tired. I repeated thank you profusely to him. He made it just in time for boarding, and I checked in without any other issues and hugged my family good-bye. I sat in my seat as the airplane sored into the clear blue sky. 

We arrived at Miami airport as scheduled. Since I was not familiar with the airport, I followed the exiting passengers to the lines for the customs agent with my documents in hand. Everything went as the norm, but I was surprised that he, the agent, nor anyone else asked me any COVID related questions. While I waited for my suitcase, I what’s app called the number I had for the Uber driver who would pick me up to let him know that I was ready.  

I exited the walls of the airconditioned port and into the Miami heat. I stood on the pavement as I looked for a black car with flickering lights. The driver came, and he introduced himself as Michael, Mr. Swanson’s nephew. He told me that the trip would cost me $50 round trip. I told him that it was my understanding that the agency would cover the charge, and he said no. After about another twenty minutes, he pulled into a complex. It sure didn’t look like a hotel. It was an L shaped structure that looked more like a motel or private apartments. Michael took my suitcase out of the car, and I followed him up two flights of stairs and to door 345P. 

“Why aren’t we going to the office to check-in?” I asked because I felt a bit uncomfortable.  This too was not the deal. I was supposed to stay at a hotel. Dear God, keep me safe and covered under your blood.

“This is where you will be staying for the night,” he answered and knocked the door. A lady around 45ish opened the door. She smiled when she saw me, and fine lines creased the corner of her eyes. Her hair was in a messy ponytail as if she just woke up.

“Hi! My name is Lori. Come in,” she gestured to me. Michael put the suitcase inside and left. I stepped into a different word. The walls of the living room had drawings and painted pictures from Cinderella’s story. There were toys strewn around the living room floor, and juice boxes on the counter. It was a mess. Why didn’t she clean up knowing that a guess was coming? She cleared the couch for me to sit down. “Please excuse the mess. My children just left with their dad, and I didn’t get the chance to clean up,” she said as she looked around the room.

“That’s okay,” I said. I heard keys rustling outside, then, the front door opened.

… to be continued.

Okay, I said it!