
Homebound
By desainasalillari

21 Mar, 2024

The plane's tires screeched against the runway, jolting Elira back to reality. She was finally back in Albania, her birth country that she hadn't seen in three years.

As Elira stepped out of the airport, she was greeted by the familiar scent of earth and sea that she had missed so much. She felt a sudden rush of nostalgia.

Elira's grandparents, Leka and Mira, were waiting for her at the arrivals, their faces lit up with joy as they saw her. The reunion was emotional and filled with tears of happiness.

The drive to her grandparents' house was filled with chatter. Elira listened to their stories about the neighborhood, their friends, and the changes that had occurred since her last visit.

As they drove through the narrow, winding streets, Elira's eyes widened at the sight of the old stone buildings, the vibrant markets, and the people bustling about their daily lives.

The house, a quaint stone building nestled between two hills, was just as Elira remembered it. The scent of freshly baked bread and stew wafted from the kitchen as they entered.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Elira visited the local market with her grandmother, helped her grandfather in the garden, and even attempted to learn a traditional Albanian dance.

One day, while helping her grandmother cook, Elira stumbled upon an old photo album. It was filled with pictures of her as a child, playing in the very same garden.

Elira spent hours looking through the album, each picture sparking a different memory. The nostalgia was overwhelming, but it also brought her a sense of comfort and belonging.

She learned more about her parents, their youth, and the love story that had begun in this very town. Elira felt closer to her roots and her family than she ever had before.

Elira's grandparents took her to visit the local school, where her mother had studied. She walked through the halls, imagining her mother as a young girl, laughing and learning.

Elira also visited the church where her parents were married. As she sat in the pews, she could almost see them standing at the altar, making promises of a lifetime.

One evening, Elira and her grandparents sat on the porch, watching the sunset. They shared stories, laughter, and a few tears, creating new memories together.

Elira felt a profound connection to this place and its people. She was a part of a larger story, a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and tradition.

As her visit came to an end, Elira felt a pang of sadness. She had reconnected with her roots, and saying goodbye was hard. But she knew she would come back.

On the day of her departure, her grandparents gave her a small box. Inside was a necklace with a traditional Albanian pendant - a token to remember her roots.

As the plane took off, Elira looked out of the window, the view of Albania slowly fading away. She held the pendant close to her heart, promising to return.

Back home, Elira found herself telling everyone about her trip, the people, the culture, the food. She wore her pendant every day as a reminder of her roots.

Her trip to Albania had been more than just a visit. It was a journey of self-discovery, a reconnection with her past and an embrace of her heritage.

Elira knew that she carried a piece of Albania within her. It was a part of her identity, her history, and her future. And she couldn't wait to go back.