A Lesson in Never Giving Up
“And please give other foods a try every once in a while. Pizza isn’t the only thing out there.” I’ve been on this call with my mother for over two hours already; you’d think I moved out of the state and not eighteen minutes from her. “Ok mom.” I say, rubbing my forehead, exhausted. “Alright baby, I know your tired and I’m talking your ear off.” “Yea, I’ll do that.” “Ok Sherman, you enjoy your first night on your own. We are proud of you. We’ll speak to you later. Love you.” “Love you too, goodnight.” We hang up and I plop down on the couch I took from my parent’s garage. It’s in great condition but it smells like them, it’s oddly comforting. My place is still pretty bare, but it has all the basic needs. A bed, a couch, shower curtains, microwave, tv, etc. My laptop looms in the distance reminding me of the homework I have to finish. But first, dinner! Mom said no pizza so I won’t get that; but a nice crunchy, cheesy grilled cheese will definitely be the perfect replacement. Plus, it’s free and easy. After putting it together and sliding it into the pan, my laptop pings informing me of a message from a group chat with my friends. In no time I’m fully engaged in a gif battle. It is only when my fire alarm begins to blare that I realize that this quick reply has had my undivided attention for over seven minutes. The smoke that fills is the air is still light, but it burns my nose as I enter the kitchen. “Where’s my fire extinguisher?” I shout frantically as I search around my kitchen. A small blaze is starting and it’s just then that I dart under my sink to look, reaching in blindly, I yank the first thing I feel. It’s cold and hard, pulling it out victoriously, I hear something solid fall. Too busy with trying to put out the blaze, I quickly turn back to the fire. Once it’s out I place the extinguisher on the counter and walk dejectedly to the pantry and pull out some instant ramen. “Day one by myself and I almost burn the place down.” Annoyed with myself I trudge to the living room with my noodles and finish the rest of my homework.