"Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; 

the past is gone, 

the future has not come, 

and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, 

and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires."

Charles Caleb Colton

____________________________

Time is a paradox—elusive and relentless. It slips through our fingers, the past already a memory, the future an uncertain promise, and the present vanishing in the blink of an eye, like lightning that both illuminates and fades in the same instant.

It feels as if life has hit full speed, propelling me forward, faster than I could have ever imagined. But amidst the whirlwind, I find myself on the cusp of living the dream I've held onto for so long. Before I could step into my future in Chicago, I took a detour—a brief yet meaningful pause—by landing in Canada. It had been ages since I last saw my mom and sister, Amy. After Mom moved to Canada with Amy, something within her seemed to spark back to life. She's more vibrant, more herself, especially now that she's secured a position in a local school, where she'll begin working next month.

The moment I stepped out of the airport, there was Amy, standing with a grin and a board in hand, my name scrawled across it in bold letters. I couldn't help but smile.

Flashback...

It was the day Amy was packing her last bag. She turned to me, her expression exaggerated with mock seriousness.

"Since we won't see each other for a long time, I might forget what you look like. So, I'll take a name board to the airport next time. Just to make sure I don't accidentally bring a stranger home," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, giving her a playful smack on the head. "You've said that a million times already! I'll make sure to keep you waiting for hours—maybe even days—with that board when I visit."

"Ha! You wouldn't dare," she retorted, crossing her arms with confidence.

"And why not?" I challenged.

"Because Mom loves me more, and she'll definitely punish you if you try!" she declared, her tone dripping with mock superiority.

We both burst out laughing, our banter blending seamlessly into the flurry of our final preparations.

End of Flashback...

Now, standing there with Amy, that memory felt as fresh as yesterday, even though time had sped forward like a runaway train. The board, the joke, the laughter—all of it a fleeting flash, yet somehow eternal. Time, as undefinable as ever, had brought us back together, if only for a moment. And in that moment, it felt like the past, present, and future collided, making everything—both what was and what is to come—infinitely more precious.

As I approached Amy, her wide grin mirrored my own. The name board she held, with my name scrawled in her familiar, playful handwriting, was a tangible link to the past—a symbol of the bond we'd shared despite the distance and time that had separated us.

We hugged tightly, and for a moment, it felt like all the time that had passed since we last saw each other simply melted away. Amy pulled back, holding me at arm's length, her eyes scanning me as if to ensure I was really there.

"Still look like the sister I remember," she said with a laugh, though there was a hint of emotion in her voice.

"Good to know I'm not a stranger," I quipped back, my voice lighter than it had been in months.

Our banter picked up right where it had left off, easy and effortless, filling the space between us with warmth and familiarity. The drive to Mom's house was filled with laughter, updates, and the kind of conversations that flowed naturally, as if we had never been apart. The Canadian landscape, so different from what I was used to, sped by in a blur as we talked about everything from Amy's latest adventures to the new life Mom was building here.

When we arrived at the house, Mom was waiting on the porch, her face lighting up as soon as she saw us. Her embrace was soft, comforting, and instantly reminded me of the days when her hugs could chase away any fear or worry.

"You've grown even more beautiful," Mom said, her voice brimming with pride as she took a step back to look at me.

"So have you," I replied, noticing the glow in her cheeks and the lightness in her step. It was clear that Canada had been good to her—she looked more alive, more herself than she had in years.

Inside, the house was cozy and inviting, filled with little touches that made it a home. Photos of us adorned the walls, and the scent of Mom's cooking wafted through the air, instantly making me feel at ease. As we settled down for dinner, the conversation flowed naturally, the three of us falling into an easy rhythm.

"So, tell me all about this new job, Mom," I said as we sat around the table, the warmth of the food matching the warmth in our hearts.

"It's nothing too fancy," she began, her modesty as endearing as ever. "Just teaching at a local school. But I'm excited—it feels good to be doing something I love again. The children here are so eager to learn, and the school has such a positive environment. It's a fresh start in more ways than one."

"I'm so happy for you, Mom," I said, truly meaning it. Seeing her so content made the journey here worth every mile.

"And what about you?" Amy chimed in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Chicago sounds like a huge deal! How are you feeling about it?"

I paused, considering the question. "Excited, definitely. But also a little nervous. It's a big step, and there's so much responsibility. But I think I'm ready. This is what I've worked for, after all."

"We know you're going to do amazing things," Mom said, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "You've always been so driven, so determined. Chicago is just the beginning for you."

The evening stretched on with stories, laughter, and the comfort of being with the two people who knew me better than anyone else. It felt like time had paused, allowing us to simply enjoy each other's company, free from the pressures of what lay ahead.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, the house quiet around me, I thought about the journey that had brought me here—to this moment, in this place, with my family. The past few months had been a whirlwind of change, but somehow, everything felt right. I was on the cusp of a new adventure, and even though the future was uncertain, I knew I wasn't facing it alone.

Before drifting off to sleep, I promised myself that no matter how fast life moved, I would always make time for the people who mattered most. After all, it was these moments—these connections—that made the journey worthwhile.

The next morning, I woke up early, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. Today would be the last full day I'd spend with Mom and Amy before heading to Chicago , and I wanted to make the most of it. We spent the day exploring the city, visiting local markets, and indulging in the simple pleasures of being together.

As evening fell, we returned home, our laughter echoing in the quiet streets. The farewell this time was different—there was no sadness, only a shared understanding that we would always be there for each other, no matter where life took us.

When the time finally came to leave for the airport, the goodbyes were filled with hugs, promises to visit soon, and the knowledge that this wasn't an ending, but rather a continuation of our story.

As I boarded the plane to Chicago , I felt a deep sense of peace. The future awaited, full of unknowns and possibilities. But whatever it held, I knew I was ready to face it, grounded by the love and support of the people who had shaped me into who I was.

As the plane ascended, I watched the Canadian landscape slowly disappear beneath the clouds. Chicago was my destination—a city brimming with opportunity, where I would finally take the reins of the new branch. The thought of what lay ahead filled me with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I leaned back in my seat, letting out a deep breath, ready to embrace this new chapter.

The flight attendants began their rounds, offering drinks and snacks. I accepted a cup of coffee, hoping it would help keep me alert for the tasks ahead. The cabin was quiet, most passengers either lost in their thoughts or already dozing off. I sipped my coffee, staring out the window at the endless expanse of sky.

Just as I was beginning to get lost in my thoughts, the seat next to me, which had been empty until now, was occupied by a man in his early thirties. He had a casual, yet put-together look—dark jeans, a crisp shirt, and a book in his hand. He smiled politely as he settled into his seat.

"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice warm and friendly.

"Not at all," I replied, returning the smile. "Plenty of space on this flight."

He chuckled softly. "Yeah, seems like everyone's already settled in for the journey."

We fell into a comfortable silence as the plane continued its steady course. I took another sip of my coffee, glancing at the book in his hand. The title caught my eye—it was a business strategy book I had read a few months ago.

"That's a great read," I said, nodding toward the book. "Helped me a lot with some recent projects."

He looked up, surprised. "Really? I just started it, but I'm already hooked. I'm Aaron, by the way."

"Mahira," I introduced myself, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Aaron said, his smile widening. "So, are you in business too?"

"Yes," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'm heading to Chicago to open a new branch for my company. It's a big step, but I'm excited."

"That's impressive," Aaron said, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest. "Chicago's a great city for business. What kind of company do you work for?"

I explained a bit about my work and the expansion plans, and Aaron listened attentively, occasionally nodding in agreement. It turned out he was also in the business world, working in marketing for a startup based in Chicago. Our conversation flowed easily, covering everything from industry trends to the challenges of starting fresh in a new city.

As we talked, I found myself relaxing more. Aaron had a way of making the daunting prospect of moving to a new city feel less overwhelming. He shared tips about living in Chicago, from the best neighborhoods to explore to where to find the best deep-dish pizza—a must-try, he insisted.

"Chicago can be a bit overwhelming at first," he said with a grin, "but it's an amazing city. There's so much culture, so many opportunities. You're going to love it."

"I hope so," I said, feeling a spark of excitement at the thought of discovering this new city. "It's definitely going to be an adventure."

As the flight continued, we exchanged stories about our careers, our travels, and the ups and downs of life. Aaron's easygoing nature made the time fly by, and before I knew it, the pilot announced that we were beginning our descent into Chicago.

As the plane touched down, I felt a mix of emotions—anticipation, nerves, and a sense of readiness. This was it. The start of a new chapter in a city that was now my future.

"Well, here we are," Aaron said, glancing out the window as the skyline of Chicago came into view.

"Yeah," I agreed, taking in the sight. "Welcome to the Windy City."

As I stepped off the plane and into the bustling Chicago airport, the excitement I felt was twofold. Not only was I about to embark on the journey of opening a new branch for my company, but I was also ready to reignite a passion that had always been close to my heart—graphic design.

Running the business would be a huge part of my life in Chicago, but my dream of being a graphic designer was something I wasn't willing to set aside. In fact, I saw this move as an opportunity to blend both worlds—to bring my creative vision into the business, infusing it with a unique touch that only design could provide.

During the flight, when I mentioned this dual passion to Aaron, he had been genuinely intrigued. "Graphic design and business—that's a powerful combination," he had said, nodding thoughtfully. "There's so much potential to create something truly unique, especially in a city like Chicago."

His words had resonated with me. Chicago, with its vibrant arts scene and thriving creative community, felt like the perfect place to bring my design dreams to life. I imagined myself not just running a business, but also collaborating with other designers, working on projects that would allow me to express my creativity while growing the company.

As we walked through the airport, Aaron had asked more about my design work, and I had shared some of the projects I was most proud of. He had been impressed, even suggesting a few local studios and events where I could network and connect with fellow designers.

"Chicago's design community is pretty tight-knit," Aaron had said. "I think you'll find your place here pretty quickly."

Now, as I stood outside the terminal, feeling the cool breeze of the Windy City, I couldn't help but smile at the possibilities that lay ahead. I wasn't just here to expand a business—I was here to build a life that encompassed everything I loved.

Aaron's business card was safely tucked into my bag, a reminder that I already had a connection in this new city. I made a mental note to reach out to him soon, perhaps to explore those creative spaces he mentioned. But for now, I was eager to start setting up the new branch, bringing both my business acumen and design skills to the table.

With a deep breath, I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of my new office. As the city streets sped by, I felt a growing sense of anticipation. Chicago was a blank canvas, and I was ready to paint my future on it—one filled with ambition, creativity, and endless possibilities.