I was only just 17 years old, when I lost both of my parents to a terrible accident in Australia. We were simply on a vacation to see our distant relatives, until our departure led to this tragedy. We were heading to the Brisbane Airport, until a small pademelon jumped on the road...

In a mere split second after seeing the pademelon jumped on the road... I couldn't remember what happened next. But I only remembered being picked up from a rolled up wreckage and found myself inside an ambulance. I was trying to tell them that we were supposed to go back to the states. I started squirm and attempt to free myself. However, it didn't last, until I was put to sleep...

By the time I woke up hours later in the hospital, I was only told about my parents died in the car wreckage. It was that moment that I've lost both of my parents. I was alone for the first night... it wasn't until my Uncle Rad came to visit me. I was relieved that an extended family member a visit.

"Uncle Rad!"

"I'm here, mate." he sadly smiled, as he walked towards my side and gave me a hug. "Let me have a good like you." I looked up at him and he noticed the minor scars from my cheek. "You're a brave and tough, kid."

"Am I going home soon?" I asked.

He looked more saddened. "You will, kid."

"Back to the states?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid not mate... your Aunt Chilli and Uncle Bandit will be taking you in."


I was in the hospital for two days, until Auntie Chilli came to pick me up. She told me that my belongings were already at their home. As well, that somehow, she and Uncle Bandit were able to have the remaining of my personal belongings from my old home. When she picked me up, I was mixed emotions that I was leaving the hospital... without my parents. Because they were gone. Before I know it, I woke up from my mind to see that Auntie Chilli was driving on her family's four wheel drive.

As she was driving, she kept looking back at me to see perhaps if I was well. However, the only thing I have with me for right now is my family picture that features my parents and me. I stare bleakly at the window, as we drove by the town. The silence lasted for minutes, until she was able put on some music on her radio and the song featured was Brave Awakening, which caught my ears. I simply leaned on the window, while clinging onto my family picture.

The drive lasted for minutes, until I was than awaken when the car came to a stop at the driveway. I opened and rubbed my eyes to see my new home.

"Here we are, Andy." Auntie Chilli spoke, as she parked and turned off her vehicle. "Your new home."

I slowly got out of the car to only remember the days that I visited there with my parents. Especially, meeting my new cousins: Bluey and Bingo. When my parents and I met our extended family members, I didn't know what to expect, nor knew about them. However, when we first met... it felt like we were family from the beginning. As our parents chat, my cousins and I would do games together, usually pretending. Going down from, being in a café, library, or even simply playing simple games like "musical statues". Or in our spare time, if we wanted do something quiet, we would draw.

Just like before, I felt a cold air feeling when I entered the house. Despite of the humid summer day. Apparently, the cousins weren't here when we came in, because they're at school. Uncle Bandit is currently working. Auntie Chilli showed me to my new room, right across from the cousins'. And yes, it was the same room that I slept during my visit. When I got up to my new room, I could see most of my belongings from my old home. A family picture of me and my parents was hanging on the night stand, next to my bed.

"Your uncle was able to find your family picture." she said, as I walked towards my bed and sat there. I picked up the family picture and teared a bit. "How about a smoothie? Are you thirsty?"

My stomach was too upset to eat or drink. I shook my head.

"Alright, just let me know if you change your mind or you need anything." she than excused herself and let me alone to grief. I lie on the bed and clanged on to the picture, as I sobbed.


Not sure... but I slept through the entire day. Without leaving the room, without wanting to eat. Although, I was tucked in my covers, when I woke up. It was a new day dawning after being discharged from the hospital. After getting out of bed, I just got downstairs and watched the sun dawning for a new day. The shiny ray from the sun, shone upon me, as I closed my ears and started to hear John Denver's song echoing on my mind. The air was warm, but a cool breeze did set the climate to my standards on a beautiful morning.

"Andy?" I turned around to see it was Uncle Bandit coming down the steps, before I looked back at the sun. "Hey kiddo. How did you sleep?"

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't find the right words to say, also I wasn't ready to talk nor to be seen by anyone. I was hoping I could enjoy the sunrise alone.

He than put his paws on my shoulder. "I know you been through a lot mate. We'll make sure to get you settled and get you comfortable with your new home."

I sniffled a bit, as I continued to watch the sunrise in silent.

"Are you hungry?" he than asked. "I know you haven't ate anything since yesterday. Your Aunt Chilli makes delicious omelette, we could have that for breakfast. And we'll make you a plate."