My Adventure in the States
Hiroko Kasai
Kirigaoka Middle School
Adventure. It can mean different things to different people. For me, to go to the United States alone and survive had been my biggest dream for the longest time. I said that I wanted to know if my English were good enough to be understood. Honestly though, I wanted to experience the thrill of being away from my parents. I wanted to surprise them and show them how much I had grown up. So I pleaded and coaxed and finally I received permission to go alone on a ten day trip to the States. I wonder what you are going to think about my adventure there. Let me tell you what happened...
With the help of Japan Airlines' family service, I easily managed my baggage and my connections. I arrived at Los Angels International Airport without any complications. My first step there at the airport was nothing but perfect. "Look at me!" I wanted to shout. I was so proud. It was so satisfying to meet and greet my host family all by myself. I made it!
The very next day my host mother, Cindy, and her daughter, Teresa, took me shopping to buy American clothes. When we came back home, I ran into the yard. Both of my hands were piled high with my new clothes. I was so excited that I did not pay attention to it and Bogey the Doberman was waiting for me. Bogey thought I was an invader and bit my fingers. Teresa screamed, "Bogey, stop!" Consequently, he did not bite as hard. I was trembling. I was so shocked that I could not even cry. It did not even hurt. Everybody ran up and asked, "Hiroko, Hiroko. Are you OK?" I could not think. My mind was blank. I remember saying, "I think I'm all right."
Well, we went to the emergency room. the doctor took a long time to clean out the wound. She tried to make me relax by telling funny stories, but I did not hear a word. I only watched her mouth open and close. I was numb.
Cindy planned many exciting activities for me including ice skating, a trip to Universal Studios and a slumber party with Teresa and her cousins. I never had a chance to do anything. Soon after the dog bite, I came down with a 40 degree fever and my ears felt as if they were being pounded by jackhammers. Da-da-da-da-da-da-da. Da-da-da-da-da-da-da. We went to the emergency room again. I had an ear infection.
To make a long story short, we ended up at the doctor's office three more times. Three more times! My dream of my first adventure in the United States had evaporated. Instead of rides at Universal Studios, I got rides to the doctors. Instead of tingling with excitement, I itched with hives!
I will never forget my first adventure alone in a foreign land. Despite everything I look forward to going back to the States. This time though, I will bite Bogey first.
(The First Prize of the 48th Contest, 1996)
