“Why did we decide to stay a whole week in Texas?” Kya groaned as she and Diedra neared airport security.

“Kya, we’ve been through this already. Skylar is so excited that we will be at her graduation, and who knows where she will go now that high school is over. It’s important to her, and to you believe it or not, that we spend some time with her before she heads off to who-knows-where.”

“Ugh. I can’t believe she’s 18 already. My precious niece is all grown up and probably having sex with more guys than I ever did.”

“Girl, you only had sex with one guy ever!”

“True. One too many. And the last thing I want to think about is Skylar doing the same. GROSS!” Kya covered her eyes with her hands at the thought of her beautiful, favorite niece doing such a thing. “Why can’t she stay 3 years-old forever?!”

Diedra kissed Kya’s forehead as Kya leaned into her for a snuggle.

“Oh, love”, Diedra teased.

“I just wish Skylar was still a baby” Kya pouted.

“I know. But we’re going to have a great time. Besides, it’s been a long time since we’ve visited Texas together. I’m looking forward to seeing how much Austin has changed. That city will always have a piece of your heart, and I love that, too.”

“I know. Thanks for the pep talk. I get anxious and weird every time I visit. This time feels so extra in that way.”, Kya replied as she prepared to go through security.

“You are extra. Seriously, love. Your socks are ridiculous”, said Diedra through giggles as Kya slipped off her shoes and placed them in the bin on the conveyor belt.

“Don’t hate on my socks. I’m rockin’ my pink and lime stripes on the left and my turquoise polka dots on the right foot. I’ve gotta have something to keep me positive while on this flight. I mean, unless you want to sneak off to the bathr—–.”

“Uuuhhhh, don’t even finish your sentence. March on to the security guard to get your body scanned. We’ll have an early toast to the niecelet graduating high school, and I’ll let you kiss my face. That’s about all the action that will take place on this flight, my dear.”

Kya turned around and flashed Diedra a sweet smile before exiting security. She put on her shoes and waited on the other side for Diedra’s clearance. She felt so much peace just knowing Diedra was with her on this trip home. It was never easy for Kya to revisit her old stomping grounds. In fact, she had gone to therapy since they have lived in California to help her process a lot of what happened while she lived in Texas. At times, she still had nightmares about experiences she had. It was frightening and paralyzing, triggering a level of anxiety and panic she hadn’t experienced since she was around Skylar’s age. But this time, she had Diedra and years had passed since. Kya was ready to hug her niece’s neck and celebrate the Skylar.

Diedra and Kya settled into their seats, and as the flight attendants gave instructions on where to find the face masks and life jackets in case of an emergency, Kya placed her hand in Diedra’s and said, “I’m so happy you’re with me.”

“Me, too. I love you”, Diedra whispered as she raised Kya’s hand to her lips for a kiss. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“Thanks. I love you, too.”