2026 and the Fever Dream

Leaving home and beginning a new life in a new city were always on my list, but I never knew the time would be this early. The picture is there, the wish is written and stuck on the wall, but I never knew it would ever come true. After 26 years of living a life full of doubts and fear, I had not expected the boundary would finally shatter. 

Hearing the announcement from the cabin crew that we were finally landing in a new land I had never visited before still feels like a fever dream. I used to aspire to have the time to visit many countries, experience many cultures, and use my limited broken English skills in daily life. Funnily yet, when circumstances force me to, the feelings are mixed with fear dominating. 

Am I really embodying those wishes that I wrote on those sticky notes stuck on my bedroom wall and folded papers in that wish jar in my room?

As I reflect, it was abrupt how this all went. For missing the ideal departure date, for the sudden news, announcements, miscommunications, tasks I have to hand over, unfinished papers, and many more, and here I am. I leave when everything begins to construct and people start to settle with their lives. I leave when the world around me begins.

This is the other abrupt fever dream. I was in their lives, witnessing stone by stone they put. When it finally takes form, I cannot be there. It is sad and so underprepared.

But, isn't that absurdity that makes it a fever dream?

However, this is not a fever dream; only feels like one. 2026 is the year when what I consider a fever dream becomes a long-new fever life. I am building a new home and settling down with a new hope, and so does everyone around me.