01: Palo Alto

                                    

                                          
This book is not completely edited but will soon be. Enjoy#
 "19th October 2019
I'm certain you've stood around great skyscrapers and walked along thousands of pedestrians while the city around you churns. You must be used to the buzz and numerous appealing centers of activity. I believe you admire the lights and digital billboards lighting up the main streets. The new culture most had gradually become part of you. But Daisy, have you experienced quiet yet?
Limitless parks and nature reserves? Wholesome weather, lavish bike boulevards, and tree-lined streets with canopy coverage? Palo Alto is a place with brilliant minds and loving neighbors.
I know it is too much to ask, but I could write you dozens of letters about why you should join me to study at Stanford University.
I think it will be an excellent start for us, now that we're both eighteen—legally old enough to make our own decisions.
Did you know Palo Alto is among the most educated cities in the States? You don't have to worry about approaching new people or changing environments.
Remember when we both wanted to ride bicycles for the rest of our lives? I believe this is our chance. The lanes are perfectly flat, ready for us. Another bonus: we could get our skin to glow like a million bucks without paying a penny. I heard the weather works miracles for bicyclists.
For the sake of famous restaurants and luxuries like chic cafes, do apply to Stanford University. Together, we can experience the colorful arts and culture scene and the stunning outdoor lifestyle we've found appealing since eighth grade.
Fortuitously, I find pleasure in letting you know Stanford University is one of the best-ranked colleges nationwide. It offers a highly recommended school of medicine. But that's not the only news; even more interesting, the school is willing to give out scholarships to dozens of national citizens.
I believe in you. I think it's time you dust off your national identification card at the bottom of your box. It's high time you came home.
Love, your truly best friend,
Riley Hunter."

DAISY
Not at all times do we get twice lucky, but I can proudly boast how grateful I certainly am for the blessings that God provided when I thought things would never get any easier.
On my flight from Hong Kong to California, I spent almost the entire day feeling strained and tired. What kept me entertained, apart from the installed personal television, were some of my favorite letters from Riley.
Riley was like my innermost feeling that I timidly refused to voice out. She managed to push me forward whenever I found it hard to do so for my good. Because of her, today I'm breathing the air of my country, my home... a place I thought I would never come back to.
Eight years ago, my parents' marriage crumbled to pieces due to my father's recklessness that brought upon us the worst process in our lives, with him locked up in jail while my mother and I were defenselessly broken.
For our safety and partly for the one-time opportunity, my mom had to accept a job thousands of miles away from home.
Leaving everything we had managed to build back in New York. My school, our home, which was sold along with other belongings my father had spent years working for. But most importantly, my best friend Kaiser Chandler, whom I never got the chance to say goodbye to when we left. And for that, I found it difficult to forgive myself until Riley.
I still remember, just like yesterday, how Riley and I came to meet. It was like a miracle when a computer teacher from my first year in the new middle school I had to join suggested all her students write a letter to someone special across the continent. Instead of using the internet, we sent it through post mail.
Mine was long. It was meant for Kaiser. Instead, it reached Riley Hunter. I have no idea how. I always wondered if they messed up the address or if it was just fate being kind to me, but until now, we have yet to discuss how.
Candidly, all I am is grateful it reached someone whom I can now address as my sister, even though it was meant for my best friend.
When I thought life was throwing fireballs, it threw Riley Hunter to me. She stuck around. Listened and advised. We've been friends since then. Almost eight years and counting... we've shared everything about ourselves, our personal stories, our present lives. Well, the only thing we held on to was our reflections.
Not that I have any social life, but for some reason, Riley and I promised to treasure the pen friendship and swore to keep our faces hidden until we believed it was time.
Which is today.
After eight years of running, today, once again, I am standing in my country. California, the place I've always dreamt of visiting since I was five.
With the help of Riley, I applied for Stanford University medical school, and I've been gracefully admitted, which provides us the chance to meet for the first time.
With two pieces of luggage, a handbag, and a huge backpack hanging over my shoulder, I strive my way through the arrivals terminal and away from the airport to the pavement where I intend to find a cab. However, I found something astonishing and confusing.
Let me break down why my eyes went impossibly wide; there's a weary middle-aged man garmented in a maroon polo shirt and khaki pants standing against a black Audi SUV holding out a placard that reads my name with a sharpie.
With slow and cautious steps, I approach the unexpected man. "Hi," I mumbled when I halted at least five feet away and drew in some breath. I guarantee you don't want to travel around with loads of luggage.