The day my nightmare began was on New Years Eve. The music was jammed up! Lights were sparkling, and everyone was dancing. It was such a remarkable night that it almost felt unreal. I had a feeling that it was going to be perfect for the rest of the night. Little did I know, it was soon going to be ruined.

We had a little gathering with the guests, where my parents were acting strange, in my opinion. They started talking about how much they were going to miss Denver and its people. I was too confused. My mind was all over the place. I was surely surprised to hear that Maine was going to be our new home. I thought to my self, How can anything replace this fresh, energetic, lively city? I wasn't ready for a change.

A few weeks later, I started packing. I never thought that packing would be so hectic. The multiple-award-winning art works (including my dazzling Chinese sculpture) couldn't fit. To make it even worse, I had to tell my best friend. Being the overly sentimental person I am, I decided to tell her on the phone. She obviously was in a state of disbelief. It was even more heartbreaking when I had to say good bye to my childhood friends after endless hugs and kisses.
When I saw the plane, I hesitated. Therefore, I committed the most dangerous act I could think of. I told my mom that I was going to grab a drink of water, while in reality, I hid in the girl's bathroom. At that moment, I thought that this was the only way I can tell my parents I didn't want to leave. I didn't think that telling them verbally would be of any help. However, I didn't have the guts to worry my parents. I decided to quit the silly act and just deal with life.

On the day we arrived in Maine, we were reunited with our friends from five years ago. When I encountered the steep hills and blank city background, I was certain that I moved. It was crucial for us to stay with them during the process of finding a house. During the month that I stayed there, Denver was always on my mind. Soon enough, we found a place, which meant I had to start attending a new high school.

I was forced to take courses that never occurred to me. It was a dramatic time while making new friends. I had to meet many of these people who practically grew up with each other. I knew I had a low chance to make friendships. I felt that since people already found their friends and were where they belong, they wouldn't want to bother risking their time to meet more. Even though the hallways were crowded, I felt a lonely, depressing sense. My depressed face was almost always expressionless. Having to deal with school, friends, and family was too stressful for a fifteen year old. On top of all of this, my mother got to the point where she would cry every night due to being homesick. I knew that no way would she be comfortable in a strange, gloomy environment. In fact, some people we met influenced her to want to go back even more, because of their inhumane and deceiving actions. It was especially hard for my parents. Having to leave their home country, Iraq, and family behind was hard enough. Because of that, they somewhat regretted leaving their second home, Denver, behind.

I remember the day I had a chat with my dad. I told him how Maine has altered our lives negatively. He knew exactly what I meant. He knew that it was because of mom's current state, and also because of the stressful positions me and my sisters had to go through. I was suddenly shocked when he said he found a job back there. In fact, the main reason we had to move was because of financial issues. This meant we had a better reason and excuse to go back. I could not wait a single minute to spread the news. Since my mom already knew, and my sisters were ought to know, I went straight ahead to text my best friend the miracle that has just occurred. She actually thought this was a prank. I could already smell the beautiful, breezy, yet warm heart of Denver that was waiting for us.

Before leaving, we told our friends about the news. Secretly, I wanted to run to the plane as soon as possible instead of visiting them. Excitement was taking control of me. It wasn't easy for us to announce our leave.They tried convincing us to stay. They also mentioned how our stay with them really changed their agonized lives. Thirty minutes later, they started crying, and so did my parents. I didn't shed a single tear since I wasn't as close to them as my parents were. The only heartbreaking view was seeing my parents cry.

The day after the school year ended was the day we moved back. A moment this special was worth all the struggles. Although I made some great friends here, it felt good to return home safely. The instant my best friend's eye caught mine was when we both knew that this was reality. Just as I imagined it, the glorious, heart warming smell of the air assured me that I was back.
Constantly moving from one place to another was definitely exhausting. I had to be patience and not take things for granted as I did to the most amazing place I have ever lived in. Coming here wasn't a complete waste of time. It actually shaped me into a better person. The hard times made me a stronger person. It sure feels better to be back home, and I wouldn't replace it for the world.