As I stumble through the halls of my new home, tired from the long night of traveling, I heard echoes of my steps traveling through the maze of rooms. Rooms even forgotten by blueprints, and I knew this time would be no different, I would be left isolated in a mansion forever. Of course, being isolated was an exaggeration, a mansion this big needs a cleaning staff and with the various gardeners and groundsmen, I would never truly be alone, just without any interactions of my age. My days would be full of lessons and reading a bunch of old books. As I yawn, hearing a knob turn behind me I look and like clockwork, a flood of monochrome uniforms pour in serenading the hardwood with their derby heels. Eager to get out of their way, I sleepily head back towards my mom and see her given the rundown to my new caretaker. She introduces me to Alma, who gives a warm smile and slight bow as my mom begins to leave. As he rushes out, she gives a tight hug and kiss as she picks up her phone and the door closes. Off she goes, running a tech conglomerate isn’t easy but I wish she would stay a little longer. The morning continues with Alma taking me on a tour of my new home.

              From the lush green garden to the amazingly bright cellar the many rooms and sight of the mansion pale only in comparison to its sheer size. The countless rooms may look similar but upon closer inspection, each room has its own story. One room that holds paintings and boxes is the workspace of an old butler. I see him from the doorway working with a sewing machine, meeting eyes he smiles and I wave as I continue the tour. Another room with towering bookshelves is home to beautiful stained glass windows mimicking the weather for the day. The blue glass makes a dreary day sadder and while the same window has a bright red as fierce as a firework. Outside was no exception, the ponds filled with Koi as bright as the sun but as shy as the moon combined with the lush greenery created a mini-park. As we pass by, the groundsman tips his hat as he wipes the sweat from his brow, earnestly working hard so early in the morning.

              Ending my tour at my room Alma hands me a key, “A present” she says “it’s for the closet”. Alma leaves heading off to her work for the day leaving nothing but a scent of perfume and the fading echo of her steps. I open my closet and see a gaming system with a letter from my mom on the side. Opening the letter it reads “Dear Zaire, I hope you enjoy the surprise, it’s the newest edition and comes with a bunch of preloaded games. Sorry for working all the time, I know it’s hard on you moving around all the time but thanks for putting up with your mom’s hectic life and staying strong. You have no idea how much it helps me be strong too. Great news though, I have a vacation coming up soon for the first time in forever and would love to spend it with my favorite person in the whole wide world!!! I’ll see you later, XOXOXO”. 

                   As I pretended not to cry, I thought of my gift, I thought of the hardworking people around me and most importantly I thought of the opportunities given to me, the opportunity to make a change. Just because I was the only child in the mansion doesn’t mean I would be alone. From Alma to each groundsman, gardener, maid, butler, chef, and others there are people here who if I get to know like the rooms have their own story. The hardworking people, plus the caring environment began to shape me into a hardworking and value-centered person. Though an atypical childhood I valued every moment taking what I could from each conversation and situation, it made me into who I am today.