Arriving in Chennai

I recently attended my second WITS writing workshop with Omer Ahmed. In this workshop, we thought about the small things we did and how we can exaggerate them. I learned about some great tools to improve my writing skills. This is what I wrote during the session.

Arriving in Chennai feels like stepping into a desert. There are no ACs and everyone waits outside. When I round the corner, I see monkeys, jumping up and down, all wanting to get their customers first. Suddenly, I spot my grandparents, though one needs a telescope to see them. I rush through the crowds like a cheetah, anxious to get to them. They laugh and put their arms around me and we hurry off to the car before we melt into a puddle of nothing. I turn on the AC and the change from desert to polar vortex is very welcome. The suitcases and bags my grandparents bought are laden with gifts and I long to peek inside. I try to be sneaky like a snake, but the unwrapping of the gifts sounds as loud as a chainsaw. My grandmother glances back at me and her eyes pierce through me. After what seems like a million years, she smiles and I happily start to unwrap it again. I am joyful as I ride down the streets. I lean back, ready to make the most of this vacation.

If everything had gone by plan, I would be packing my suitcases and getting ready to see my grandparents this year. Instead, I’m at home, face-timing and messaging them, but at least I can still have fun with them!