When the Smiles Cease

The Long Goodbye Paul would never forget the days he spent with his father. In particular, he recalled the times when he and his father ventured to school on their motorcycle. He vividly remembered the farewells and the smiles. There were times when their discussions lacked discretion. Paul knew he was blessed to be part of a structured family such as his; he was loved and accepted. Now, the time had come to leave his beloved father and immigrate to an unknown country. “Paul!” Margaret called out. “It’s time for you to get up and get ready. The plane leaves in two hours.” “Yes, Mother,” Paul replied. He had been anticipating this great day—a day when life would become completely different from how he had known it. He wondered what it would be like to leave his father, as well as his relatives, and it dawned on him—Who will I discuss my school issues with? How will I overcome my grief from our separation? He mustered all his strength and took his clothes off the hanger. He inspected them one last time and then got dressed. He took his white sneakers from their box and slipped his feet into them. He tied the laces with the little strength he had left and withdrew his luggage from the corner of the room. “Mom, I am ready now. Are we all ready to depart?” “Wait, darling. I am almost finished dressing your sister,” she said calmly. He went to the living room and noticed that his uncle was sitting with a plate of food as he waited. “Uncle Charles, how much more time do we have?” Paul asked. “Don’t worry, son. We have about two hours before the plane leaves.” Mr. Charles was Paul’s godfather as well as his most beloved uncle. Paul often discussed important matters with his uncle and trusted every word he said. Paul paced around the room, wondering where his father was. He was supposed to escort them to the airport, but Paul had yet to see him. “Uncle Charles, may I borrow your phone please?” Paul asked. “Here, son,” said his uncle. Paul dialed the number and waited. And waited. Just before he gave up, he heard the voice of the man who had never let him down. His joy rose like the sunrise. “Dad, how are you? I miss you. We’re waiting for you and are wondering if everything is all right,” Paul said with a quivering voice. “I am all right, son. Due to the intense traffic, the trip has taken longer than expected. Come to the gate in five minutes. I am almost there,” said his dad. Paul informed his uncle of the news and thought once again of the separation. If only the circumstances of life had not necessitated their emigration. He thought about his dad, Antoine, a well-known college professor, and his mom, Margaret, a teacher of the elementary grades. Despite their socioeconomic status, the unfair system in Haiti would put their children at a disadvantage. There were prodigies who remained jobless in Haiti because there weren’t any opportunities for them to flourish. Academia, which was the hope of many, left many in anguish, as the country lacked the right departments to give them the necessary jobs. This fact was apparent to Margaret, Antoine, and Paul. The parents knew that the American dream would empower their children to become the best they could be. If they were going to make a strong impact in the world, emigrating from Haiti had to be their course of action.