The most unfortunate thing that ever happened to me is that I don’t live in Maeystown. Why my parents fell for an ordinary house on top of an unknown hill over the lovable, friendly Maeystown is a mystery I will never solve. Although I am happy with where I live, I often wonder what living would be like in the most comfortable town ever established, my querencia.

As I wander along those well trodden sidewalks, I can come across some of my most favorite places to visit in Maeystown: St. John U.C.C, the ice cream and treat shop, and the house in which one of my best friend’s grandpa lives. Wherever I go in Maeystown, a warm welcome and a familiar face greets me. However, the only time I see people I don’t know is either the Annual Homecoming or the Oktoberfest, but these events are unsurprisingly some that I always look forward to. At these times of year, swarming with people like a beehive, Maeystown is the only place in the world I want to be. Somehow, I feel more connected to this blessed little town during these parts of the year, feeling as though I were the biggest and most devoted fan of the town itself. I want to be that friendliest, most welcoming resident of Maeystown when tourists want to come visit. Who wouldn’t? Cobblestone sidewalks and houses, vibrant and blooming flowers, and the sunshine glinting off the rippling creek are only a few of the addictive traits Maeystown has. I am proud that I’ve played a part in this town. Whenever I go there, a buzz of activity, intoxicating scents drifting throughout the windows, and a feeling of comfort are always present. The only other place that makes me feel this at home is Fort de Chartres; I feel like I’ve actually stepped back to the Revolutionary War when I attend the annual Rendezvous and feel like I have to make it a wonderful experience for everyone else too. This is strikingly similar to how I feel toward my querencia. Maeystown isn’t cluttered with troublemakers and is hardly ever busy, and you wouldn’t find a person there that would judge you by your appearance. Also, I feel safer knowing that catastrophic events have never taken place in this cozy little village.

Speaking of feeling safe, the idea of not being safe in Maeystown is laughable. I’ve only ever heard of unprevented accidents happening in Maeystown, and there hasn’t been one person I’ve met that wasn’t friendly. I’ve lived near here, gone to church here, and roamed here as long I can remember, and nothing bad has ever happened to me. Only good memories in this safe haven are sprinkled throughout my brain; I doubt I’ve ever even cried in Maeystown. At the times when I’m being myself, I feel the most tranquil and part of the town; at these times, I’m just another pebble drifting along in the creek, a petal basking in the sun, or a ray of sunshine falling gently across the roofs. I have never felt more at peace and at home in any other place. Because of the tranquility and innocence in Maeystown, there’s always a gleeful vibe about the town, and everyone there you would know, would protect you, and would banish all the awful feelings you’ve had. Leaving here, I’ve received a sense of enlightenment and bravery due to the kindness all the residents have to offer. If I’ve had a bad day, I know that visiting Maeystown will brighten my spirits. This little town that I love so much will always hold the same meaning and importance in my heart; Maeystown will forever stay my querencia.

Even though I’ll no longer be able to participate in Easter Egg Hunts or Sunday School, I’ll still have fun with aiding all the children's’ needs. I grew up slipping and sliding down the inflatables at the Annual Homecoming and clutching my parent’s hands as we wandered through the streets during the Oktoberfest, but I know that I’ll start taking responsibility for the little people in Maeystown. Still yearning for some activity, I know I’ll find time to sneak off to buy sweets or swing my legs on the riverbed with my friends; I’m not a little girl anymore but still have the same personality. Excited, I’m contemplating how the future is going to turn out, but Maeystown, the village I’ve come to adore, is still and will forever remain my querencia.