a distant memory

"Aza get off your phone and come help your dear mother out!" I paused the Death Note episode as I bounced off the couch smirking as I rolled my eyes to my father's demand.  We were a close family especially on this day, my sweet sixteen. I enter the kitchen to see my mother scooping the jollof rice from the pot to a wide, white flower pattern engraved plate, she completed this task by sprinkling finely chopped parsley over this tomato red rice. I found my way to the fried chicken sitting on a sheet of paper towel, as the excess oil seeped its way out of this crispy chicken. I transferred the chicken over to the white flower engraved plate, sitting on the side. On this day I was blessed with a combination of Asian and African foods. A compilation of plantains, gimbap, puff puff, jajangmyeon, all of which were a representation of my parents' ethnicities. My mother was Nigerian, as my father was Korean. I would say that I inherited an equal share of genes from both, as I often found myself doing things or making expressions that resembled both. Both my parents loved to cook; out of my two siblings I would say that I was the one who enjoyed this task the most. I often found myself lurking as my mom and dad cooked together, most of which involved my dad flirting as he used the wooden spoon to smack my mothers thick behind. When the food was all ready and plated my father called my elder sister and younger brother down. Its funny that it was my birthday, yet I was left to help while my siblings got to enjoy their time in their bedrooms. Together on the oval glass dining table, we began by holding hands as my father blessed the food before us, not forgetting to thank God for the extra year he granted me. My family and I spent this night laughing and enjoying ourselves, living this day like it was our last. As we shared the night listening to the music  that feed our souls; I watched as my dad held his African queen like a precious jewel, my mom moved to every beat of the music as she wrapped herself around her dear Korean king. I smiled as I watched this couple deeply consumed by love. My birthday was concluded as my father handed me a box. I lifted the lid to find a glistening rose gold necklace. Hanging from this necklace was an "A." Uncontrolably I found tears rushing down my face, as I immediately wrapped my arms around my father. He took this opportunity to clasp this shining necklace around my neck as he whispered, "I love you Aza."

            That night I dreamt of a happy life. A life that involved my family, the loving people that accepted me for who I was. The people that I ran to when everyone else seemed to reject me. I dreamed of continuing to learn and watch my parents unconditional love. I dreamed of the loving siblings that I was blessed with. All this love and joy brought heat throughout my body. Heat. My slumber was disturbed as I felt an extreme sense of heat. I found my dark room enlightened by the intense beam of light making its way through the crack beneath my door. I rustled around as I reached my hand over to the nightstand beside my bed as I pressed the home button of my phone revealing the time, "4:03." Who in the world could be awake at this time? And why was it so damn hot? I thought to myself. I stumbled as I made my way across my room, guided by the intense beam of light coming from below my door. Just as I rested my hand on the door handle, I screeched as I was shocked by the sticking heat presented by this handle. I fought this pain as I twisted the handle revealing a sight that would haunt me for years to come. Before me was a sight that resembolled what I always believed hell to be. My body moved on its own as I sprinted through any opening I could find. "MOM! DAD!" I screamed "TENSI! ELI!" Oh my God, somebody answer me! I made my way to the nearest bedroom, only to find myself once again having to endure the burns my hand was experiencing. Once again, I twisted the handle... but why? Why in the world was Tensi's door locked? "TENSI" I banged. I couldn't hear anything through the ranging fire, however I found myself having to move on. I had to believe that Tensi made it out, I had to believe that she was alright. "please lord!" these words repeated themselves through my mind as I franticly ran around, trying to fight my way through this fire. Everything was hot, my feet, my hands, my eyes. God, my head was so hot, so damn hot. Until... everything went black.