The Summer of '23...

My excitement for summer began fading away over the years. I used to spend summers at my grandparents'. I saw the same people, ate the same food, played the same games for over a decade. With each successive year, it grew monotonous. The familiar faces and repetitive routines became a predictable pattern, lacking the thrill of novelty.

After graduating high school, I was off to college, driven by a fervent spirit of freedom and independence. My sole aspiration was to break free from the monotony, to venture into unexplored territories far from the comforts of home. With a mix of enthusiasm and nervous energy, I was all set to embark on my journey, leaving behind the predictable summers of my past.

College happened, and life unfolded its complexities in ways I hadn't anticipated. Amidst the whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and social engagements, I became engrossed in the fast-paced college chaos. In the process, I unintentionally started losing touch with the essence of my loved ones. The warmth of familial bonds began to fade amidst the bustling corridors and demanding schedules. Relationships that once held profound significance slowly became distant echoes, and I found myself navigating the tumultuous sea of change, often feeling adrift and disconnected.

Like many other teenagers, I was so self-absorbed and engrossed in building my own life that I failed to grasp the significance of home. The very concept of 'home' started slipping away, becoming a mere word devoid of its once deep-rooted meaning. The desire to forge my path, seeking independence and the thrill of self-discovery, led to my gradual detachment from the comforting embrace of my family and the familiar surroundings I once called home.

But then, everything took a whole 180-degree turn in the Summer of '23. It was a season that redefined my perspective and reignited my appreciation for life's simple pleasures. This summer taught me to find happiness in the little things, encouraging me to pause and admire the fleeting moments of bliss interwoven into the fabric of everyday life. In those tranquil moments, home regained its true meaning, restoring the warmth and familiarity that I had unknowingly pushed away. It was a summer that nudged me to cherish every moment with my loved ones, to embrace the value of shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, and the genuine warmth of their presence. This summer urged me to savor the beauty of togetherness, reminding me that amidst life's complexities, the essence of our existence lies in the cherished bonds we share with others.

In the ebb and flow of life, I came to understand that it's natural for bonds to loosen as we carve our own paths. College brought a whirlwind of experiences, distancing me from the essence of my loved ones and the concept of 'home.' Yet, amidst the chaos, the Summer of '23 served as a profound reminder. In the tranquility of that season, the meaning of 'home' was reborn, not just as a physical place but as a feeling—a warm embrace that transcends distance. It instilled in me the wisdom to savour the beauty of togetherness, emphasising that while life may lead us on separate journeys, the essence of our existence lies in the precious connections we cultivate and the love that binds us together.

Home is where our heart lies.

Home is where our peace lies.