My mother and I moved around many times living in poor environments, but we finally purchased a new and nicely constructed place which we now call our home. It feels great to walk home from school every day not having to worry about leaking ceilings, rats running around, and tight living space. Before going through the door to a house filled with laughter, good aura, and peace, I always get mesmerized by the size and beauty of the outside of the house. It has already been three months since we moved in, but I still cannot believe this wonderful place belongs to us. 

There was a loud metal squeaking sound that reverberated throughout the area as I entered through the stretched-out gate. I see the tip top of the house as I rotate my head upwards towards the dim cloudy sky with the smell of rain and freshly cut grass. As I breeze through the entrance that looks like a hallway, the colors of autumn fill every corner of my eyes. The grass is gradually turning yellow and will soon die out. The same goes for all the plants I encounter before reaching the steps. There are a few steep steps I must take upon opening the front door.  

As I took a step into the house, a sense of warmness and peace filled me. The pleasure of smelling a nicely cleaned house and the lit candles calmed my mind. All I hear is the squeaky  

sound of the polished floor as I walked towards the couch that is c-shaped and within the c is a glass table covered in little spectacles of dust. The bottom layer of the table can hold items, like a remote control which activated the TV placed in front of the middle section of the black and smooth couch. As I looked over to the kitchen, I see my mom hurrying back and forth from the long dinner table where the adults are happily chatting and the kitchen because she was preparing for dinner. We do not have to worry about the noise level anymore because we do not have a landlord to tell us what to do, the house belongs to us. 

I was drawn to the loud screams and laughs on the lower level, so I head for the steep wooden stairs that lead me to the basement. Children of various ages are running all around like monkeys. Little do they know, the basement is the most unsanitary place used for storing seasonal items. There were big black bags that surrounded us and inside were useful equipment, like the snow blower, lawnmower, grass trimmer etc. It was unsanitary because we don’t go down to the basement often unless we need to throw something down there because of the lack of space. The seasonal items give my mom and I a sense of responsibility, it is our duty to take care and clean the house at least once a week, so we do not get fined. We purchase a lot of necessary equipment because it is a house we will be staying in for a long time. Instead of paying for workers every year, we could save up money to buy the item we need and clean up the house ourselves. After watching them jump around on the red couch, I felt nauseous because of the dim lighting and unhealthy air. The basement was also suffocating because there are only two small windows, including the one in the small narrow bathroom. None of us were tall nor big, but we felt like giants because of the low ceiling.  

I tried to move swiftly to get to the steps, so I wouldn’t get caught in the crowd. Holding the loose, and almost unscrewed handles by the stairs I pulled myself up like a sloth dragging both my legs. When I reached the top, I find myself facing the bathroom. I could see the white shower curtains half way folded, bathtub, toilet, sink, dirty clothes basket, and the floor covered with hair. As I turn the corner, there is a vacant room filled with clothes that are not in season and many other unnecessary items. There is also a bed that is covered by a white dusty sheet for guests or family members who come to visit. The dust starts to accumulate because they don’t come often. It makes my mom and I feel more at peace because we do not have to take care of them. The room next to it belongs to me, it has a floral scent because every morning I spritz some perfume by Prada. This room gives me a sense of peace and comfort because I could act comfortably with myself with no one telling me what to do. There is a desk right beside the door which I should be doing all my studying at, but instead I work while lying in bed with my papers scattered everywhere. Beside the bed is another door which leads you to the inside of my closet filled with various colored clothing. The mirror I use daily is attached to the inside of the door and is very small, so I go to my mother’s room next to mine. When I enter her room, it reminds me of her because of the motherly scent I cannot describe. I pass her closet before reaching the mirror, and it is filled with clothes and boxes in every corner. Her desk was barely visible because it is covered with makeup and perfume. When I looked up, I see myself through the mirror, it’s not only myself that I notice. I also see her neatly folded bed and clothes.  

Being able to live in such a nice and warm house filled with love had a really big impact in my life. It made me realize how fortunate I am after moving around with my mother many times and experiencing the poor living conditions. We do not have to worry about finding a new place and moving our belongings every few months. It was hard having to adjust to new environments. I am glad we finally settled in one place because it gives us a sense of relief and peace. 

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